Dead Malls Season 5 Episode 1 - Marshalltown Mall Revisited

Sitting quietly in the small town of Marshalltown, Iowa sits an icon. A dream laid out by one of the most influential people in Mall history. Marshalltown Mall. Once the crown jewel of small town shopping, it featured 4 anchors and 50 stores amid fountains and plants. Now, there’s nothing. The fountains lie abandoned, the plants gone, and in the wake of years of retail neglect you’re left with just 2 small mom and pop shops. How did Marshalltown Mall begin its life and how did it fall so far? Come join me today as we explore Marshalltown Mall and find out.

Thank you all for watching! Subscribe for more! ٩(^ᴗ^)۶

Links

#northcdogg22 #deadmall #deadmalls #northernfilms

[JoJo-iesl]

For some reason, this mall is (for me) the saddest of your episodes. There's just this vibe with the interior that instantly takes you down.

[robertlee]

I grew up in marshalltown. I was there when this mall was built. I remember how excited the town was and how my mother especially would take us there frequently for shopping or going to the movies. That was a big thing in the '60s and '70s. Parents would drop their kids off at the movies and they could have a couple of hours of do whatever adults do time. There were stores and people everywhere and my memories are kind of vague now but I do remember those tile floors and brick planters. Marshalltown was a good place to grow up in the '60s and '70s.

[JoshYT]

Yes so glad to see S5 here! I was just watching your old video on this mall what great timing! I really do love this mall its a shame how these small town vintage gems are left to die for many years. Great video and research as always.

[mikeandtennillefain]

Hey there. I actually work in this mall at the hearing aid center next to the old Chop Shop. We are still open but you u must have been there on a day we were closed. We actually have 3 new stores that just moved in. A gym, a hair salon and a gift boutique ! We are all down by the fountain ! Life is coming back! Also many stores on the outside access and Mama Digrados Italian, which is the best ever!

[sunsetrecords]

Let's go season 5 is here. Amazing video and I just fell in love with another mall.

[gardeneden]

Yay! Can't wait for more this season!

[Destrophite]

I live in Marshalltown, so it's nice to get some history and an outsider's perspective. The dance studio just turned to non-profit status last month. The consignment shop that was featured is/has gone out of business. They have gained a gym and new local store, but the still dead except for mall walkers. My kids go to the dance studio so when I sit waiting for their practice to be over it is so soul tormenting.

[theposse]

Talk about a ghost town of a mall. Whether a smaller community or metropolis malls of all sizes are more and more becoming this. You know it’s days have to be numbered and the current management company doesn’t help any as per usual. Thanks for sharing and documenting as always.

[violetw]

I love how this mall looks, if I lived in the area I'd go and walk around as often as possible. Very cool vibes. Love the brick work.

[jimfowler]

Keep up the good work I'll enjoy all the episodes

[ryankelly]

I'm glad you're curating these malls. As much as I enjoy your videos, I don't think I could handle the liminal anxiety in person.

[matthewschoerverth]

Great Job and Welcome Back, @NorthCDogg22.

[tressaoetker]

Grew up going to the Marshalltown mall. Worked at the movie theater when it was just a 5 Plex. My grandma worked for many years at Penney's.

[stot]

When I saw that Alladin's Castle... that always brings back memories of my own experience there at a local mall years before I moved to where I am now. My maternal grandparents would take me there and let me spend about $5... great times. I honestly don't know how these places stay open with 2 stores like this one, but I would imagine it wouldn't be that long now.

For your next video documentary, I would suggest Opus Science Collective as he has an album that is dedicated to "liminal" spaces. I believe at least one of the Ambient Time albums might fit the bill. As always, I look forward to next weeks foray into what sounds like a mall with even dimmer fortunes in IL. Good to know that you are feeling better by the way.

[arroyjose]

There was a brief period in the early 2000s when this mall was thriving. It was packed every weekend. Lot of the stores that once called this mall home are now located in a small strip by Walmart.

[nicktheturtlenerd]

Really excited for the season! My guess for the next episode is Peru Mall in Peru IL.

[stevebayt]

First view...gold medalist this week, Great way to start season 5 as number one

[kolemsai]

I am a lifelong Marshalltown resident, and I actually own a current store at this mall! (Wasn't in this video, it's a game store on the outside). I remember when this place was lively, and I used to work at the Aladdin's Castle too! If you ever want some info about this place hit me up!

[mitcho.]

Great video! I work in Marshalltown p/t and I’ve heard about this mall from coworkers. Now I don’t need to check it out 😂 You do a great job with your videos and information about its history. Keep up the good work!

[almond]

I've been binging your stuff today in preparation for this season! Super hyped!!!



P.S. If ever you're in the Utah area, please, please, please check out the Provo Towne Center mall. While its not a completely dead mall, it feels like its held by the glue of the local D&D shops and the string of a couple of restaurants popular with the locals. A Red Robin, and a Wingers.