Shopping malls across America are in a state that even Paul Blart can’t save, and Austin is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated or largely empty shopping centers have become objects of fascination, especially as the aesthetic of liminal spaces has gained popularity online.
Let’s go to the mall
Once the tallest building in Austin, the Dobie Center, a 27-story UT Austin residence hall, also houses a two-story indoor mall. Dobie Mall still has a food court and shops, but Austin residents may remember when it was home to Magic Mushrooms, McDonald’s, and the popular Dobie Theater. Did you know that the Dobie Center is where Michael Dell founded Dell, Inc. in 1984?
In Old West Austin, Highland Mall opened in 1971 as the city’s first indoor shopping center. The mall featured anchor stores such as JC Penney, Dillard’s, and Scarborough, but a flurry of other shopping centers around Austin contributed to its eventual decline. Austin Community College began purchasing mall land in the 2010s, and Highland Mall officially closed in 2015.
A few years ago, this area of Highland Mall might have been filled with shoppers popping into stores, patrons waiting in line to buy food and kids putting quarters into ride slots.
Back to the Future
Today, Dobie Mall remains at the base of the Dobie Center (or Dobie Twenty21). Highland Mall is no longer obsolete, as it is now one of ACC’s major college campuses.
Though those malls have changed, Austin still has plenty of vibrant shopping centers and neighborhoods where you can indulge in a retail binge like NSYNC.
The Arboretum | Even if you don’t want to shop or dine, this outdoor mall is a great place to stroll while enjoying the green space and artwork. Barton Creek Square Mall | This indoor mall recently opened five new stores, making it the perfect place to reminisce about your mall-hopping days. The Domain and Domain Northside | The famous outdoor shopping center opened to the public in 2007 and has continued to evolve over time, housing over 100 luxury shops, top-notch restaurants, and kid-friendly attractions. Round Rock Premium Outlets | You’ll have to head north to get to these stores, but the deals are worth it. Find discounted Le Creuset, Nike, Calvin Klein, Coach, and more.
Do you have memories of your local shopping mall from way back when? Share them with us and we could feature your story in an upcoming newsletter. Tell us all about your first date in the food court, trying on a prom dress in a department store, or stopping by Orange Julius before buying the perfect graphic t-shirt at Hot Topic.
