I usually do not comment on malls that I have not personally been associated with or coordinated under my previous corporate responsibilities. But Laurel Mall and especially after witnessing the perimeter dusk-tour, the drone flyover and then the interior (Matrix) labyrinth flea market, this was going to be my big exception.
Having worked in the mall industry for over 40-years I have never seen such a state of neglected mall deterioration or decay both interior and exterior. And in certain respects irresponsibility in code, safety and egress violations. I fully understand (and with deep regret) our ‘Dead Mall' syndrome and the continued plight and downturn in our industry, but to keeping Laurel Mall in my judgment operating and open for business under these conditions is for me a hard fact or nut to swallow.
Laurel Mall will surely be ‘chucking-along’ for some time to come, but with their ever increasing and even basic operational upkeep maintenance required, Laurel Mall will simply not survive given its limited and or fledging flea-market income. Including its limited operating hours. So sadly it appears it’s a drive to the end at Laurel Mall and milking every last dollar out of the remaining structure. With this I wish things could be different.
Mall roofs in this condition are seldom to be seen. It’s not all about the leaks, but more important about the properties structural components and with the heavy roof 'Snow - Loads' experienced and especially in this part of the PA region.
Where does all of this stuff come from?
Where does it say Mall?
