A Sad Look Inside Battle Creek's Declining Lakeview Square Mall

Malls in Michigan are just not what they use to be.

Take a look at a scene that is all too common nowadays when it comes to malls. In the past, malls were a great place to go to hang out with friends, get all of your shopping done for the holidays, and get some entertainment. Now, walking through a mall in most places has an almost eerie and empty feeling.

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The Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan was first opened in 1983. When the doors first opened, the facility had three anchor stores like most...JCPenney, Sears, and Hudson's. In 1995, the mall expanded to add a movie theater, which was located near the Sears wing.

Since 1998, the mall was sold several times to a number of different companies including General Growth Properties, Cushman & Wakefield, and GK Development. Stores that have come and gone from the property include Steve & Barry's, Macy's, FYE, and more.

Currently, when walking the halls of the mall, shoppers will see many empty storefronts and halls. However, the mall is working to keep the building alive while using the empty portions of the building. The old JCPenney location is being renovated to be used as a grocery store/farm market for a store called Horrocks in Battle Creek. The former Sears location is also being turned into climate-controlled self-storage units.

No matter where you go, walking through most malls can leave you feeling depressed. Hopefully, Lakeview Square Mall will be able to turn things around and remain a part of history in the area.

Source: Ruin Road

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