Can America's Biggest Mall Be Saved?

Can Minnesota's massive Mall of America, now a dinosaur, be saved from the 'Wal-Marting' of America?

1 minute read

October 6, 2003, 11:00 AM PDT

"Big malls need the browsers to survive, and so developers are experimenting with a new design format called 'lifestyle centers' -- generally with open-air pathways, even apartment complexes, which are somehow supposed to create the long-lost pedestrian experience of 'downtown,' itself a mythical concept to many suburban 18-year-olds.Malls are said to have turned downtowns into ghost towns, but now malls are resurrecting the spirit of "downtown" to survive the Wal-Marting of America. When the new downtowns arrive, with or without seven vintages of cheddar cheese, it will be worth at least a one-way segment drive to have a look."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

FULL STORY: Shop Till You Drop

Friday, October 3, 2003 in Wall St. Journal

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