Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Portland 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
Mall 205 was once in its heyday.
After opening in 1970 with anchor tenants Montgomery Ward and White Front, the mall remained popular for many years. Those who remember the mall’s opening may recall it touting its “climate controlled” shopping center, while others may remember the food court, an arcade, a play area for children, and in later years, a magic shop called All-American Magic.
After Montgomery Ward left in the early 2000s, Mall 205 underwent renovations that brought in a Home Depot, Target, and a now-closed 24 Hour Fitness.
Back to the future
Today, Mall 205 is no longer what it once was. Home Depot and Target have both closed off their interior entrances connected to the mall, and as of 2022, the space is no longer a “mall.” Besides Home Depot and Target, Portlanders can head to the former shopping center for a DMV visit.
Though this mall has changed, Portland still has a number of other shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:
- Lloyd Center | For decades, this was the place to be; but it has also experienced a fair share of disrepair. Today, indie stores and art installations keep its spirit alive while an extensive redevelopment plan looms on the horizon.
- Pioneer Place | This downtown shopping center is right off of the Portland Transit Mall, making its department stores and movie theater easily accessible. On the upper level, Punch Bowl Social has all the entertainment you need, including bowling, karaoke, and games like floor shuffleboard and billiards.
- Washington Square | As a hub for holiday + cultural events as well as top-notch retail therapy, this mall keeps the people shopping with a mix of local and national businesses. Pro tip: If you need to entertain the kids (or simply eat dinner), head to Din Tai Fung where you can watch them prepare dumplings through the window.
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.
