Dead Malls Season 5 Episode 20 - Northbridge Mall Revisited

Just across the border in the land of 10,000 lakes lies a very small lake town. And within that town lies a very classic 80s mall.. You might remember Northbridge Mall, as I was here about 3 years ago in the long ago time of Season 2. And, boy have I missed it. Constructed and opened in 1987 Northbridge was that 80s mall every kid in town grew up with. It had everything you could want, neons, a food court, movie theater, 3 anchor stores, and dozens of stores between. All lit up of course, by giant golden bulbed lights crowned in a golden ceiling. It was everything. But as the years came and went that small town mall magic died and stores left. Anchors went bankrupt, and neons died.. And what were left with today is a sad reminder of the past. Of that golden era of our lives.. Literally.. Unfortunately during my visit no food vendors operated out of the food court, so the neons were left off. If they even work at all.. But they’re still there! You just gotta use a little “imagination”! So join me today as we take a look and explore the gold fever dream of Northbridge Mall and see where it’s going for this classic neon dream…

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Links

#northcdogg22 #deadmall #deadmalls #northernfilms

[KingKRS]

It’s sad to see how many stores are leaving this mall, when I was I kid I loved going here to play in the arcade, go and look through Dunhams and Shopko, and watch movies with friends here. Now the only times I go to this mall is when I am driving by and decide to eat at Plaza with friends.

[flawed]

Imagine how cool it would be if people had documented roller rinks and drive-in the way malls are being documented. There really is important and awesome work being done here

[YodelingLoonRetail]

Thanks for the shout out! Another fun video! You've captured something I've never seen on my visits - people eating in the Mexican restaurant. :D It's always closed when I visit. Next time you drive through Albert Lea, check out the "mini mall" in the former Herberger's. They now have a sign on the door encouraging mall walkers to visit, so I did. I believe that the restrooms in the new area are the original Herberger's restrooms, but remodeled. (Either that or some joker placed Herberger's stickers on the hand dryers.)

[AnthonyRyan]

The store you’re looking at when you ask to identify the fronts was an On Cue in the 90’s and then a Sam Goody in the 2000’s. I worked there in high school, and it closed my senior year. I could probably name a lot of the other store fronts during that time too. Might have to revisit the video soon and see what I can find.

Great video by the way! For an extra nostalgia rush seeing my childhood mall.

[JoshYT]

Just imagine your on your daily shopping trip, its late but you need to run out to get some groceries. You pull up and enter this mall, into the bright neon with a warm and vibrant atmosphere. You get what you need at Shopko, perhaps grabbing a bite in the food court; while seeing others walk around and kids play. You decide to just pop in Herberger's and end up buying something nice, as you let your temptations get the best of you. Your feeling great, and suddenly remember to grab a card at hallmark because its a family members birthday. You had a great night well spent, and drive to your rural home as the mall closes for the night; the gold glow of the mall dimmers. In the back of your mind, you can't wait till you do it all again.

Its calm thoughts I get like these when I watch these videos, and its sadly something we can never experience again. I do love how when you visited, after the rain the gold glow from the sun was present! Perhaps it's a sign of the storm passing for this mall and golden years will be back one day soon. (I sure hope so at least lol).

[kellyleonardi]

The gold square ceiling fixtures with the round bulbs are so heavenly, i wish they were still put in malls today.

[seabee]

The gold celings are unique and to bad the neons were dead. That is a nice smaller mall. Sad to see it dead. I dont think it will ever come back to life. Thanks for the video.

[sunsetrecords]

The gold accent, exposed bulbs and mirroed ceilings reall did set off a welcoming vibe. Sadly i see no coming back for this mall but who knows only time can tell. Great video!

[RR]

"The mall office has moved down by Herberger's"... which has been pushing up daisies for years.

[RockyBergen]

Such professional work! Those before and after shots are expertly shot/matched. Not an easy thing to do. So subscribed and Minnesota rules!

[gadpivs]

The carpet is giving me strong public library nostalgia, in a weird way. I loved going to both the mall and the library as a kid in the 90's, so this is like the perfect combination of both. Nostalgia overload for sure.

[nancydarling]

Really a vintage gem of a mall. Thanks for filming.

[ERA_Productions]

Great video man! Love the lights in those skylights! So 80s!

[Aaron.Michael]

Your livestream was heckin amazing! Was totally tuned in from Melbourne, Australia 😉

[Manaaniwanderer]

I grew up here, born the year this mall was built and seeing a video about it is surreal as hell.

[dansimon]

Now that is one rich old mall. I do remember somewhat mall's having neon And them But the Mirrored Gold ceiling tiles do remind me of apple blossom mall. Here in Winchester, Virginia. When it had it.

[szgproduction]

Thank you for this! You capture some amazing footages and editing is on point. Let's not forget the narratives just wholesome.

[chrissasandlin]

That intro! Just the perfect settle in & watch setup. Also, this seems like a cozy mall to enjoy a passing thunderstorm.

[nicktheturtlenerd]

As a South Dakotan, I’m very hyped for next episode.

[eiguajardo]

that food court made me feel like those movies where half of humanity disappears.

p.s. I love that it seems like is always raining in the US, I LOVE rain .