Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Indianapolis is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Let’s go to the mall
Washington Square Mall was once in its heydey.
Though still catering to shoppers and mall walkers, Hoosiers may remember when the center was bustling with life — they could shop at anchor tenant Sears, children could ride the carousel, and women would storm the mall to meet Fabio.
Across town, Lafayette Square Mall opened in 1968 as the first enclosed mall in Indianapolis. Back in the day, it impressed shoppers with its 30-ft indoor waterfall + shops like Montgomery Ward or JC Penney. By the mid 2000s, however, the mall had changed + its popularity began to decline.
Back to the future
Today Washington Square Mall isn’t what it once was, but visitors can shop from the few remaining tenants — and check out Simon Mall ads from the early 2000s. Note: The mall has a strict no-photos policy in place.
In 2022, Lafayette Square Mall closed to the public for renovations but has yet to reopen. Earlier this year, Lafayette’s developer unveiled new plans to transform the mall into a mixed-use site that calls for the demolition of much of the vacant mall space.
Though these malls have changed, Indianapolis still has a number of other thriving shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:
- Castleton Square Mall | This mall is the largest in the state of Indiana, serving the northern Indianapolis metro area. Check out the FUNBOX Bounce Park opening here on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Pro tip: Grab some dim sum from Benyue while you’re here — it’s one of the few restaurants serving the tradition Chinese dishes in Indy.
- Fashion Mall at Keystone | This north side shopping center is known for its upscale stores and boutiques + is home to the only Apple Store in Indiana. It’s also getting ready to undergo a big redevelopment project that is planned to open in late 2026.
- Greenwood Park Mall | City Editor Nicole grew up going to this mall on the south side. She recently returned and was a fan of the new Bubblelicious Bubble Tea shop in the food court area.
Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day? Share them with us and we may feature your story in a future newsletter: First date at the food court, trying on prom dresses at the department store, hitting up Orange Julius before picking up the perfect graphic tee at Hot Topic — we wanna hear it all.