tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post583182435937524132..comments2024-03-26T21:06:08.519-07:00Comments on Sky City: Retail History: South DeKalb Mall: Decatur/Candler-McAfee, GAJ.T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04208881715255029485noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-4940574336745625832019-02-05T13:48:26.921-08:002019-02-05T13:48:26.921-08:00I truly miss South DeKalb Mall because it was extr...I truly miss South DeKalb Mall because it was extremely convenient and you also have the movie theater and it was a one stop shop.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17778979863014631039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-74146657306549681662016-01-12T12:27:43.764-08:002016-01-12T12:27:43.764-08:00My grandparents lived off Columbia Drive near Colu...My grandparents lived off Columbia Drive near Columbia High School in the early 1970's, and moved to Marietta, GA in 1977. I have great memories of them taking me to this mall and to Columbia Mall for shopping and ice cream on Saturday nights when I would come and spend the night with them. Nice to see this mall is still alive. I was sad to see Columbia Mall torn down. Great pictures and article here JT!Brad Sappenfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16307658369448607204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-23820562704383999252014-07-21T07:04:17.677-07:002014-07-21T07:04:17.677-07:00Well.. I used to frequent that mall as a young tee...Well.. I used to frequent that mall as a young teenager. we would go there for the game room cruise girls and see movies.. that's where I saw Star Wars, Smokey and the Bandit, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.. and many others. as it was stated in this blog about the theater being an addition.. that's incorrect it was renovated and redesign does anyone remember the Winn Dixie across from JCPenney.. well like it's been said before. when economists in a certain area changes the powers that be do whatever is need to keep making a profit so if those of a certain economic background stop frequenting.. a certain location then you all know the rules.. what happens next more liquor stores dollar stores section 8 housing extended stay hotels. yeah back in the day. like it was said before Stone Mountain tomorrow to drive you can get anything it was cool it was safer well its all changed now.. as for the mall,,stores that target kids hip hoppers whatever. those of any ethnic background,, that have the dollars there's nothing there they want.. except in Macys but they won't go there for only one store.. so I agree with most of your comments..and all the reasons why.. the decline.. but I'm glad is holding on & I hope it continues and gets better.. because it was a part of my young life..2nd Ave to Boring road 70s to 84https://www.blogger.com/profile/15500792524974259562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-61154303656142368612014-02-13T21:18:26.283-08:002014-02-13T21:18:26.283-08:00OMG!!! This was MY mall as a teenager in the 1970&...OMG!!! This was MY mall as a teenager in the 1970's!!<br /><br />I learned to drive in the parking lot on a Sunday.<br /><br />My best friend worked at the JC Penny Auto Center...<br /><br />We moved away in 1977 and I thought the mall had pretty much bit the dust...what memories it has for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-12393944778331700812014-01-14T08:47:08.214-08:002014-01-14T08:47:08.214-08:00This is unfortunately a unique situation in that t...This is unfortunately a unique situation in that the amount of security in the mall is so heavy and so restrictive about photography that I failed to get any photos of the mall other than the Rich's. I have also only been there twice. If you would like to attempt to get photos, I will make a post for the mall, but I am highly frustrated about this mall because I usually find a way to obtain the photos I need without much problem. Last time I was in the mall they had as much security as a prison.J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04208881715255029485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-86118206991094178722014-01-12T18:58:22.513-08:002014-01-12T18:58:22.513-08:00Seems like every mall in metro Atlanta is covered ...Seems like every mall in metro Atlanta is covered on this site except for the newer Mall at Stonecrest near Conyers,GA. Any plans to do a write-up on this mall? Just curious.... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-67527428301597569752013-10-13T13:17:39.240-07:002013-10-13T13:17:39.240-07:00Forgive me for my errors.For some reason, the blog...Forgive me for my errors.For some reason, the blog wouldn't let me edit my post. Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-92152768058949245682013-10-13T13:16:20.243-07:002013-10-13T13:16:20.243-07:00I agree with everything you said..especially about...I agree with everything you said..especially about Conway.<br /><br />Unfortunately,the deal with Burlington Coat Factory fell through..at least that is a rumor about it because of a dispute about who was going to clean the asbestos from that part of the mall.A beauty supply house opened up since then..Yeah,looked forward to that being there (sarcasm)<br /><br />Though South DeKalb have come a long way, it still has some ways to go.My problems with that mall in other shipping centers in the Black communityis that they don't meet everybody's needs/desires. It's like the owners of these places and shops are thinking we're monolithic thinkers..that we all like the same products.<br /><br /><br />Too often, you'll either see non name urban shops,athletic wear shops or young girls shops,but not any shops that will benefit people within and out of our communities. Another problem with South DeKalb Mall is the outside of it.Though I love how the inside of the mall is designed,the outside of it is dreary and dead looking to the point that youre not attracted to it.<br /><br />If South DeKalb want to be a more successful mall, they should get the person who is responsible for cleaning that part of the mall and get a hazmat team to clean the asbestos out of there (if the rumor is true), do something about the outside of the mall and make it look good and provocative and try to lure shops where every demographic shops in and is well know. It doesn't have to be expensive, but like as mentioned,Burlington Coat Factory,Kohl's, Target or Dillard's. Conway and other frugal unknown establishments isn't going to cut it.<br /><br />As a long time resident of South DeKalb,I've learned somethings about the people here.Some are upper class middle class and low income and one thing they all share in common is that they don't want stores or shopping centers that reminds them of being in a stereotypical Black community (e.g.Con way).They wantsomething that is nice, reasonable and that meets every demographic.Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-30728147948863513112013-01-21T11:17:18.758-08:002013-01-21T11:17:18.758-08:00I think time changes but But I think eventually th...I think time changes but But I think eventually the area will come back up …like Kirkwood… like little Vietnam east lake meadows.. not sure how long it will take stone mountain, some parts of lithonia , westlychapel and memorial drive to come back up. You could find anything on memorial drive.. I use to work at the sgt singers.. but every good thing comes to an end and has its own special time.. But things change for a reason.. a lot of times people don’t care, they make the property value go down.. do you think that’s why we have white flight… I go back to the area and it has changed so much.. now you have section8 and people can go anywhere, its not the property it’s the people who don’t care to keep up the area. A lot of them are uneducated and don’t care.. . black people wanted something back then. We have got to educate our kids. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-34281378252507351162012-12-08T21:30:26.568-08:002012-12-08T21:30:26.568-08:00Though I wish that there were more in the South De...Though I wish that there were more in the South Dekalb community, will have to disagree with you about the killings.Honestly some people have been killed here,but some people have also been killed a lot in good looking affluent areas,but it rarely make the news because its a NIMBY(not in my back yard) community.Youll have to see the crime rates on sites that have them.Emerald Estates may be the same neighborhood you once lived in but it doesn't look as bad as you make it. The only place I will concur with your with is the lower end of Glenwood Rd.It does look bad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-57884995125037396562012-12-08T21:16:27.381-08:002012-12-08T21:16:27.381-08:00In comparison to some malls like North Dekalb Mall...In comparison to some malls like North Dekalb Mall ,South Dekalb is doing just fine.<br /><br />Though SDM isn't the worst mall,Ive ever been to,there are somethings that can be better in terms of having more quality shops in there. This is one of the reasons that I barely go to that mall. If there is one thing I've noticed about malls in mostly Black communities are that a lot of stores are geared towards teens with urban wear shops.Dont get me wrong,they should have place to shop in,but if you want to run a successful mall,it cannot only be about one demographic or you'll see it die.<br /><br />I once read a commentary from a young Black shopper who remarked about Stonecrest Mall. One of the good points she made was that Black shoppers were not monoliths.I may be Black,but it doesn't mean that I only want to frequent urban shops(as Im too old for many of them).Stonecrest a,Cumberland ,Northpoint malls are example malls that have some stores in them .Im not saying that they always have to be expensive to be good quality stores,but it should be good enough where every demographic shops in it. So far ,the mall looks ok,but I agree with the blogger with Conway and respectfully being in the anchor stores,it does give off a "ghettoish" vibe to it. It would be nice if we had something like Kohls,Belks,Best Buy ,Victoria Secrets or other quality shops around the South Dekalb area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-30361195615134084272012-09-10T18:14:39.532-07:002012-09-10T18:14:39.532-07:00I grew up in Gresham Park in the 70's and 80&#...I grew up in Gresham Park in the 70's and 80's...one of the few white families that didn't "flee". Great memories of hanging out at this mall. My sister worked at Zales Jewelry and my brother worked at Dipper Dan! I remember that fountain so well. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-50072983572777552092012-09-10T17:14:38.768-07:002012-09-10T17:14:38.768-07:00I was a young kid when Dipper Dan's was there!...I was a young kid when Dipper Dan's was there! My brother worked there. Ours wasone ofthe few white families that stayedin the area, and I lived there up until 10 years ago, and haven't been to SD Mall since. Holds great memories for meAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-56571839781944302202011-05-12T07:03:37.236-07:002011-05-12T07:03:37.236-07:00I grew up in Gresham Park before the insanity of w...I grew up in Gresham Park before the insanity of white flight set in - yes it was known as Panthersville, there was a high school stadium there used by Walker HS (now McNair), the new SW Dekalb HS, and Gordon HS (defunct I think) jointly. I remember when the mall opened in 1970 - it quickly became the hangout for "white punks of dope" and the focal point was the Spencer's Gifts and their lineup of pot smoking accessories, lava lamps, black lights and posters... Many a wide belt and pair of boots were purchased at Chess King! The cool fashion statement was ultra-wide white jean bellbottoms. The area is doing well now, with lots of middle class black folks and new generations of whites who are not afraid of the "boogie man".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-45345865125911589172010-11-11T07:03:58.614-08:002010-11-11T07:03:58.614-08:00I lived in the snapfinger area and went to towers ...I lived in the snapfinger area and went to towers , my best friend and I use to love to hang out at SouthDeklb mall, I think the foot court back then chick- fil a was near Jc pennys.. it does look better now, but that area.. twin oaks, emerald estates looks really bad, back in the day you would kill to live over there, now people just kill period over there. the area looks really bad. glenwood area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-24554716834959633752010-10-29T23:07:17.469-07:002010-10-29T23:07:17.469-07:00Okay, I finally gave in and changed the "Pant...Okay, I finally gave in and changed the "Panthersville" reference. Apparently that is a quaint historical name that appears only on maps, but I would really love to know the history and origins of it. According to Andre above, I changed it to Decatur/Candler-McAfee.J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04208881715255029485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-23776940950591883422010-10-27T22:26:22.223-07:002010-10-27T22:26:22.223-07:00Hey, I lived down the road from that area and I...Hey, I lived down the road from that area and I've been in Atlanta my whole life and I'm yet to hear anybody call that area Panthersville. I think the CDP is actually McAfee-Candler I believe. As a kid, I visited South Dekalb on occasion when we would visit Dekalb for sports games and that J.C. Penny's is a huge store. I would like to see some store take over the old Penny's location. Target would be great, Kolh's too, but opened a location in Stonecrest. That theater was a great addition and it's very nice.Andrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06049121213271814007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-55092050534112103352010-10-26T08:17:14.931-07:002010-10-26T08:17:14.931-07:00I used to work at Lerner Shops (1982-1984) and Ric...I used to work at Lerner Shops (1982-1984) and Rich's (1984-1990) and have such fond memories of my years there. What a shame that the mall has lost its original beauty. The trees inside the mall were very charming. I revisited my old Rich's store, now a Macy's, back in 2006 and couldn't believe how run down the place had become. The only really cool things I saw at the store were the original floors and a lot of the original fixtures from my years there. However, a great deal of floor space is now gone and the current Macy's is much smaller than the Rich's store used to be. If anyone who is reading this worked at the South DeKalb Lerner Shop in the early-mid 1980's and/or Rich's in the mid-late 1980's, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me at moonaluna at yahoo dot com.Moonalunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03844223717778323743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-41363744350582366162010-10-13T19:07:19.607-07:002010-10-13T19:07:19.607-07:00I've only been to this mall once and that was ...I've only been to this mall once and that was in 2005 when we moved back to Atlanta from Nasvhille. We had to get our driver's licenses changed back to Georgia ones. South Dekalb Mall actually houses a very large DMV center inside the mall. I don't think you can take a road test there but you can do just about anything else. <br /><br />When I was there, it was truly chaotic. Every race and nationality seemed represented. Nearb Clarkston is a big hub for newly-arrived African and Slavic immigrants. The signs saying "no food or drink" were blatantly ignored. The guy at the counter next to me had had his name changed and couldn't get it changed on his license for some reason.<br /><br />Out in the mall, there is very little in the way of stores. Anna's Linens is probably the only one I recognized. It seems like a sad place altogether, a shadow of what it probably once was.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00336234779849449517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-34292834774266487572010-08-03T11:17:09.286-07:002010-08-03T11:17:09.286-07:00I worked at this mall for quite a bit, at the Thea...I worked at this mall for quite a bit, at the Theater 1985-1987 (pre-renovation), then at Circus World Toys next to Rich's 1987-1988. Getting up on that marquee, there wasn't a ladder like that back then... omg. That mall was getting messy then. Loved Revco, and Dipper Dan's Ice Cream, and the Subs place, and the Monkey Barrel arcade, and CFA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-38646231907076982152010-07-26T20:51:04.277-07:002010-07-26T20:51:04.277-07:00We used to go to this mall when I was kid in the l...We used to go to this mall when I was kid in the late 70's, before Georgia Square Mall opened in Athens. My fondest memories are eating Chick-Fil-A there when it was the only one anywhere near where I lived.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-22149652721383994252010-07-02T09:51:46.142-07:002010-07-02T09:51:46.142-07:00This was a great piece. really gives perspective a...This was a great piece. really gives perspective and history of the mall and area. Though the area is suffering right now, I can see a rebirth happening around the mall area in a few years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-47565202483127417782010-03-24T00:15:08.735-07:002010-03-24T00:15:08.735-07:00Must be one of those lost communities that kind of...Must be one of those lost communities that kind of faded away with suburbanization...much like Blackwell and Fair Oaks in Cobb County. I do know it is treated as a census designated place like Belvedere Park. It was always shown so prominently on the maps right in that area, so I thought I'd be daring and wait for somebody to say something LOL. Should I just remove that name from the description?J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04208881715255029485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-3431419364258317202010-03-23T23:17:35.735-07:002010-03-23T23:17:35.735-07:00LOL...No, J.T., I've never really hear anyone ...LOL...No, J.T., I've never really hear anyone refer to the area as "Panthersville". There is a Panthersville Road that begins just down the street from the mall, but nobody ever refers to the area itself as Panthersville. It's pretty much just considered unincorporated Decatur.Tresnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2047095566316955789.post-36466444804866345082010-03-16T15:05:46.365-07:002010-03-16T15:05:46.365-07:00BTW, does anybody actually call this area Panthers...BTW, does anybody actually call this area Panthersville? LOLJ.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04208881715255029485noreply@blogger.com