The Abandoned Landmark Mall | Dead Mall and Film Set for Wonder Woman 1984 ( WW84 ) | ExLog 20 

The audio effect of having songs being played over the mall speakers is genius....ghostly and reminiscent. It's great to have a chronicle of these giants, slated for demo, recorded one last time for history's sake, despite the personal risk.

I like the way he wants to treat the place with respect, essentially following the unwritten "golden rule" of exploration. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

this place was my childhood my mom would babysit my cousins and we would play in the playing area and have fun 💔😭 then the mall started to lose stores then I remember I one of the last times I was there I went to a perfume store that was barely standing and a nice young man gave me a Cinderella perfume he told me “these are going to go in the trash” “I might as well give one to you I remember when I was younger when this place was fun and active “ the last time I went I went to the fair that is near the mall (right outside the mall) seeing the mall broke my heart 😭

I basically grew up in Springfield VA mall and Landmark Alexandria VA. So sad to see Landmark abandoned

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the awesome support! This log is a long time in the making, and I'm excited to finally share it with you all! I believe filming has wrapped at the Landmark Mall for Wonder Woman: 1984, and right now redevelopment is imminent. The funny thing is...in 1984, the mall was still outdoor, not enclosed...so I wonder if Wonder Woman: 1984 will call this the Landmark Mall? Research Research Research!!! Enjoy!

It is very sad to see Landmark end up like this. It was a beautiful mall back in the 90s. Used to go there all the time. I still even have 2 Landmark Mall loyalty cards from back in the day. While I agree that general trends probably doomed the mall, IMHO there were some particularly stupid decisions which sped up the process: 1. Bringing in Lord & Taylor: This sounded good on paper, but the demographics of the area around the mall didn’t really support that type of store, especially with Pentagon City right up I-395. 2. The Old Navy experiment: At one point, the Sears side of the mall was the most vibrant. The mall’s owners decided to fix that by relocating all of the stores on the second floor of the Sears court over to the Macy’s side, then turn the space into an Old Navy. This had the effect of disrupting several business, some of whom left, and then to top it all off, the Old Navy was open for just a short while. After that, the Sears side just died on the vine, with the Old Navy space being pretty much an (usually empty) albatross. In your video, I think it was a no-name furniture store. 3. General Properties’ Redevelopment Scheme: I remember attending a community meeting about the redevelopment circa 2005, and walked away wondering what they were smoking because it was some good stuff. For one thing, they talked about how average household income within 1 mile of the mall was $120K or something like that. Anybody who knows that part of Alexandria knows that isn’t exactly the case (lots of apartment buildings filled with low-to-moderate income people). Then they started cancelling the leases (for example, the CVS and the tire shop which used to be across from the Macy’s) to clear the way for redevelopment. Then they had to cancel, and then they were left with a nearly empty mall. A true General Properties special!

So difficult looking at a place like that knowing once it was alive with activity and now there’s just leaves falling from whatever kind of trees grow in those enormous pots. Thank you for documenting this and for all the amazing research you do!

Ironic how this open air mall was redesigned as an enclosed mall yet today enclosed malls are being redesigned as open air malls.

I grew up literally a minute away from this mall. This video brings back so much memories man.

So many memories had at this mall. I got my haircut here for years, bought so many Pokemon cards here, suffered through clothes shopping with my family. This mall played a big part of my childhood.

This was one of our hangouts when I was a student at Thomas Jefferson (TJHSST)! I’m so glad RU-vid recommended this to me...this was a well-made, bittersweet trip down memory lane.

I remember the outside mall as a kid in the 70s and a teenager in the 80s. There was something called the Underground. Part of the mall shops were underground in those days.

Anytime a person sets foot on a Deserted Abandoned Mall. It gives very Eerie feeling that you,re not alone. Nervousness sets in. It,s too quiet. You just want to look around . Capture whatever in the Camera. And get the hell out. ASAP. It just brings chills up the spine. Like you,re being watched. even though the Mall is completely undisturbed.

I met my current fiance there 25+ years ago working at Chocolates, Etc, a candy store right outside of Sears on the 2nd floor.

I remember going to the original Landmark Mall as a child in the 1960s, then taking my own children there when they renovated it in the '90s, and then my grandchild there in the 2000s. Decades of memories and stories about this mall. I'm not going to lie, lots of tears thinking about those times, but change is inevitable and has to be embraced. We have our precious memories and that's what they will remain. Thanks so much for documenting the end of an era in Alexandria, VA.

The Sears is still open today even though the mall closed. It closed Jan 31, 2017 after Macy's closed. The owners planned to tear it down and replace with an open town center, but it seems to be delayed due to financial problems. Meanwhile, the former Macy's will be used as a temporary homeless shelter.

A fine job of filming. I moved into Fairfax County in 1966. Worked at Fort Belvoir and lived with my new bride in a garden apartment a few miles up Route 1. Landmark was then the nearest shopping center. It wasn't enclosed then. Sears, Woodward & Lothrops and JC Penny's were the anchor stores. I'll miss it.

Your most gripping expedition yet! Everytime I take a pic at malls, my heart drops when I hear keys gingling or that radio chirp.

I grew up around landmark mall. I used to go to a shopping center about a half mile up the road that was or had an S Kline store in it. Then after that Landmsrk came along. I have so many good memories at landmark mall. But It was I think just called Landmark. I even got arrested at Sears stealing a brand new hand held 10.00 computerized football game. Of course this was 40 years before cellphones or computers as we know them now. I used to take my girlfriends Christmas shopping outside, window shopping at night while it snowed and it was very special. Thank you so much for doing this.

You’re doing a great job, Sal. I’m always impressed with the amount of homework you do on these places. I love hearing the history as opposed to just watching someone walk around in silence. The “Muzak” in the background with the mall-like reverb effect is a nice touch too.

I really like the idea of exploring abandoned places. It feels like time stopped right there and it's story lives on. Thinking about the halls that was once filled, who used to fill the halls, and the nostalgia acting as the building's life support. I also find it a perfect place to do photography. But of course, I rather come to these places with a group

I shot a vlog at this mall two years ago just a few months before it closed - I first came to this mall in 1986 when it was an open air mall and I have witnessed first hand it's rise and fall over the last 30 years

Thank you for this. I grew up in the Lincolnia neighborhood of Alexandria (Virginia Village), right across 95. This was our favorite hangout spot for years, this and Springfield. If the metro hit both of them it would have been good. The best years of my life were in Alexandria and in this are and mall 96 till 2001. I met hulk hogan here. Made friends here. Went to the fair here. Hung with my girls here. Shopped with my family. Bought records at the FYE. 1st time I went to chic filA was here. Loved the food court. I LOVED THIS MALL!! I spent so much time here, so much money. So many memories. This breaks my heart. It was cool having a mall basically in ur neighborhood. RIP Landmark. Thank you for the memories!!!

I remember my mom and I standing upstairs in front of Sears. We literally stood there for several minutes when she sadly told me "Wow... this mall used to be crowded with people and now it's slowly dying. It's so sad how things change.". Now its completely dead :(

I can't believe a store "the best of the Internet" never opened. It'll be a collection of all the hottest sellers on the internet where people can go buy, pay, and take home the product without having to pay for shipping and wait. Stores need to be more seasonal and be more like a specialized warehouse. Malls need to house service businesses like gym, dentists, chiropractors, hair, nail salons, spa, sauna, massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, bar, movie theatre, retro arcade, pool hall, oil change centers, car wash and detail, community theatre, and of course restaurants, etc. no more gnc, bath and body works, etc.

Your hard work on these videos is greatly appreciated!

WOW! Not only full of information but edge of your seat drama! :). Well worth the wait!!!

This is sad. This is where I spent my teen years in the 70s and 80s. Thank you for this video.

Meanwhile on the other side of the shopping mall in the parking lot dr. Emmett Brown was shot and killed by Libyan terrorists while Marty McFly was traveling back in time.

I’m still living in Alexandria and just knowing more about this mall I used to go to, is very weird and just cool.

Sal, thank you so much for all of these! I am so fascinated by these old malls and anything nostalgic. I really appreciate these videos you’ve done. It would be so fun to do what you’re doing.

Thank you for documenting this. I was waiting for someone to film Landmark. I use to come to this mall all the time when I was a kid. I also use to go to the carnivals they would have in the parking lot. I knew that eventually it was gonna close, but when it happened it was like a piece of my childhood died. It was sad to see it go. Can't wait to see what they did to the inside in Wonder Woman 2.

The video, narration, and background music are nothing short of incredible! It’s really interesting to see the mall basically untouched after being abandoned. Thanks for a great video! :)

I used to live a block from this mall. My ex was a security guard there. Brought back a lot of memories for me. Your expedition logs are a wonderful look at these former shopping meccas. I also love to walk malls and look at all the great architecture. Keep up the excellent work!

This vlogumentary was worth the wait! The ambient music was first rate, especially the Coca Cola ad tune! Just superb explore footage... It always hurts my heart, to see a Mall come to an end. I love Mall life, as it was, but I love the tour of them. The sights and the silence, and the creaks and the shadows of the past... Great job, Sal! 👍

it's like watching the passing of a lifetime of memories and almost as if the walls that held the structure together silently thanking you for making memoir of them even tho they consciously know that they will be soon forgotten

Great video Sal! Really enjoyed it and glad you posted again!

The production value is fabulous, Sal-- thanks for putting in the time. I've been to a fair share of dead malls. I am always amazed how the energy still seems to be in the building, even though the humans are gone. Thanks for the videos!

Your videos are top quality Sal. I enjoy the throughout history you provide and appreciate your excellent use of the English language as well when it comes to describing these malls

Sal! I'm spending a couple hours each night with you exploring these old malls. I don't know what it is that is so enchanting about them. It's sad to watch them in their abandoned state but beautiful at the same time as if they are holding their chin up and going out with dignity. This has been my favorite mall so far. It is the most gorgeous mall I've ever seen. This one is the saddest to me because it's so pretty. To me it looks like stores could move in and it would be a top notch mall again! Thank you so much for filming these and giving such great history.

I was having a panic attack along with you :D Thanks for filming, archiving and sharing these sad bits of mall history with us.

Sal, Your videos are fantastic and all the details you give keep me hanging on for more. Keep up the good work!

I love these urban decay mini docs... i enjoy hearing a deep history of each location. Great job.

I’m 2 years late to the party, but so glad I discovered your channel!!! I use to live in Alexandria and I remember Landmark Mall! Back in Middle School (circa 1993), I participated in a fine arts competition held at Landmark Mall and had a blind contour drawing selected to be sent to a Moscow art exhibit. Had no idea Wonder Woman 1984 would be filmed there decades later! LoL

Thank you for making such thoughtful videos. I remember going to Landmark with my mom to get my first prom dress- what a difference. Stay safe!

If you’re from the area, you might remember the old indoor shopping mall in Georgetown that was recently converted into a parking garage and expanded space for street level floors. It was such a neat space, being a full scale indoor mall that was hidden away in the center of a huge city block. If you watch the old and (by today’s standards) incredibly cheesy Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick called True Lies (released in 1994) you will actually see live scenes filmed in this old shopping mall, much like we’ll see in the new Wonder Woman film.

Thanks for recording this and giving some history. I did not know it has closed. I now live on the west coast but from 1971 to 1978 I worked at the Sears at Landmark Shopping Center in Alexandria, Va. It was a ver busy center and store. Many of the departments were over million dollar departments and that was a lot in the 70's. Cannot believe that it is no longer open. Shocked. A lot of the malls you mentioned opened after ours.

I have been shopping at Landmark since it opened. It was a great place at Christmas time and in the summer in the 1960s/1970s. Sad to see it close.

I live 5 minutes away from mall... it’s big shame mall going away. Nothing last forever, at least Springfield mall revitalize in a good way.

Never have I heard the "Coke" song so hauntingly. Love It!

This made me so sad, but it was great to see the mall make an appearance in WW84. When I first moved to the area, Landmark was a throw-back open air shopping bizarre. I remember a record store that was sunken underground with carpeted walls and a ramp from the surface level that wrapped around the exterior walls of the sunken space. Landmark Mall was such a huge update to the area.

This guy is proper! The information about places is spot on and sound effects are great. One of the best explorers on RU-vid with out doubt. Keep up the good work man! Sick videos!

Just watched WW84. I instantly recognized it was The Landmark Mall from watching your video. It had to be bittersweet for people who used to go to that Mall when it was actually open & busy like that to see that scene in WW84. I also had to go back and rewatch your video on this mall as well as other You Tube channel's who documented this mall like Dan Bell, Ace's Adventures etc. I'd be willing to bet that this video will get a bunch more views now that WW84 finally came out. I totally forget that WW84 was supposed to come out a little over a year ago. (For anyone reading this in the future WW84 was originally supposed to debut in November of 2019) *SPOILER ALERT FOR WONDER WOMAN 1994:* Very ironic post credit scene to this video given WW84's post credit scene 😎.

Spooky spooky mall. You got guts doing that!!

Sal, thanks for your efforts in keeping these malls relevant and remembered. I’m old enough (52) to remember the pomp surrounding a new mall opening. Wish I could go back but your vids are as close as I’ll get ever again. Cheers.

I'm a new sub and I'm obsessed with your videos. I love the history you provide! I grew up going to the mall with friends and working there. I'm 33 now and it hurts to see this happening. I'm happy you are able to do this for us!

This sucks to see. I remember growing up in the 80s and 90s when malls were still in pretty good shape.

It applies to life as it applies to malls: Once you lose your woodies, failure is your destiny... Another epic Expedition, Sal. More than just a Picasso, this Video Document is a true work of art. You remain the Dali of Mall Walkers, and at the _end of the day,_ you are not the Dead Mall explorer we want, you are the Dead Mall explorer we _need..._ Namaste

it's sad to see this mall go. my mom loved going here because it was empty because she hates big crowds and we would just hang out under those massive skylights. it's really sad to me that if they would have kept it open air i bet it'd be booming today. Love your stuff btw the work you put in is amazing!

Beautifully done!! So bloody sad....I (still) live 3 miles north on Van Dorn Street. Back in the day rarely a week went by that my hubby or I wasn't at this mall for something. I can pretty much tell you which vacant spaces were which stores. I can see the decline of malls, when internet shopping came about I was one of the first to stop going to malls. What I wouldn't give for some of those beaultiful trees! Thanks again!!!!

Wow...I would be absolutely terrified if I were to get lost or trapped in any sort of building...glad you made it out okay! It’s amazing to see an abandoned, for the most part at least, building in such good condition! Keep up the great work, your production quality continues to impress, even if this was actually older footage!

Whoa, didn't realize this happened. I used to live at The Arbors on Duke many, many years ago. Thanks for doing this and sharing.

i just found your channel the other day and i'm hooked. i love that you give histories of the locations; great narration. i also just listened to your Beethoven's 5th on one violin from 2013--AMAZING!!!!

perfect timing of vid/description at 16:16 - "encountered more security" with a couple older women walking down the stairs... spot on Sal!!!

I think they should seal them up as time capsules for future generations .

We have a dead mall here in Jackson Mississippi called the metro center . I spent half of my life in that mall but I am not even sure if it is open anymore they may have finally closed it after years on its deathbed

We just explored a dead mall here in Florida. Our video is more humorous, but I’ve always appreciated and been fascinated with dying retail and abandoned places. Your channel is amazing. Keep up the great work brothaman.

Your videos are fantastic. I love the history and background you give to them. The editing and music is perfect too.

Sal as always you are great. I truly love the fact that you do not make it about yourself but what you are exploring. That Montgomery Mall in Alabama is still there waiting for you. I think.

I don't know if the music really was playing ( I'm doubting that) but if it was it becomes creepy when no one's around.

To this day, as I type this...it’s still there. I can see it from where I live and drove by it a few times when doing errands. It’s still there abandoned just sitting there.

your channel and a guy called wallie b are my favorites . I really like these old places , I just wish they wouldn't keep pulling them down .keep up the great work your doing.

How funny. Just watched this video and decided to subscribe. Then I noticed I'm subscriber number 6000. You do great videos. I love abandoned malls. Keep on with this!

Another great piece.

This makes me cry, this is my town's mall : Thanks for the last look, just went to some meetings and they are back on track on redoing it, they now have all the property...

FYI. For those who might be curious enough to try this yourselves, I was just there yesterday. The mall entrances from Sears on both floors have now been covered up by drywall so the exploration Sal took is no longer possible. It was weird to see as the drywall they covered the entrances up with is a different color than the rest. Classy till the end...LOL! Also, I went to the entrance of the mall and looked inside. There were two box fans on the floor by the door and a few buckets in the distance on the floor. They'd had trouble with leaks before but there was more than one bucket visible. They're going to demo the mall anyway so no biggie. It won't be reused. Just kinda sad to see it like that.

Great video. Can understand how erie it was. I seen vids on Landmark but not since it closed. Was awesome to see but sad too.

That is a very big mall & too bad you weren't able to explore all of it. It is sad to see all these malls folding up. I mean where will people shop if all malls end up closing? I mean when I buy clothes, I like to go & try them on. And I surely don't want to have to buy all my clothes at Walmart. Thanks for keeping some of history alive.

Such an interesting history appreciate the massive research. I probably would have passed out from a panic attack in those creeped out hallways. Love the nostalgic photos when the masses loved the Mall. Great job💪

I lived in Annandale, Va from 1970 ( when I was 5 ) through the end of H.S. I remember we went to this mall a few times, but the newer malls really got our business. Great job on the history of it and telling the story. Thanks!

When are people going to wake up in America?....it's not simply Amazon and walmart...it's decline in standard of living and lack of disposable income....i made double 20 years ago vs today....and every dollar is worth 60 cents....so its more like triple....

Awesome job with the music playing

Great vids bro! Been binge watching them all morning.

Amazing background Sal, you always do your homework. Thanks for the great and informative coverage.

Dude, this is awesome!

Funny you play the cassette commercial. Been watching Jackass lately, and they parody that commercial with a jet engine.

Didn't realize that log was coming this soon. Excited to watch!

I love Wonder Woman. After I graduated pilot training, a dear friend gave me a small desk plaque that read, “Wonder Woman Works Here”. Even now, fully retired, I still smile when I see this little bit of inspiration when I look at it on my desk.

Another reason for the demise of malls, people found their entertainment at home. First, cable tv then satellite offered more than the basic big 3 networks. Then video rentals, home theaters, video games. The internet with endless things to view. People stopped venturing out to malls for entertainment

How sad that a place that was such a beautiful place will soon be what was will no longer be around to enjoy.

Love your channel man!! Keep it up, you're doing a great job!

It breaks my heart that this mall is no more. I remember when this mall was jammed packed during the Christmas holiday season. I would go here after shopping over at Tysons Corner. My husband and I would drive up the hill and eat at the Chi-Chi's and then walk next door to CompUSA. Thank you! New subscriber!

Hi Sal. This was the best treatment of Landmark I've seen, and I don't say that idly, because the mall is like a member of the family. Landmark was the apex product of the golden age of the real estate trust in America. That kind of financing is unlikely to ever be available again. I guess all I hope is that Hughes repurposes it successfully so that it can be remembered for what it was. Thank you so much.

I found this after the trailer of Wonder Woman 1984 released !!! How cool it was

I remember my dad taking me to this mall in 2002 when he lived in Alexandria. I was just a teenager. I remember it looked like an ordinary mall. It definitely wasn't high-end. Maybe there were a few vacancies. I do remember him commenting though that he thought it looked kind of depreciated. Maybe by then it started its downward spiral. We never went back. We usually went to Ballston Common Mall, Pentagon City Mall, or the Shops at Georgetown Park. Now every single one of those save Pentagon City are gone. Consumer dynamics changed drastically in just 18 years...

I spent my entire childhood and teenage years in this mall. Saw Hulk Hogan in the early 90’s, got lost as a toddler, learned to skate, bought my first Gf an anniversary necklace and said goodbye to pocket change (last arcade in AVA), EB games and the only Chick-fil-a in Alexandria. Watching this video brings back insane memories. You use to be able to smoke cigarettes on the third floor...in 2004. One by one the stores left and we waited years and years for something f to happen and then nothing. I live 10 minutes walking from this mall and forgot all about it until WW 1984 was being filmed and all my friends were lining up to be extras. This is awesome man. Wow crazy walk down memory lane. I’ve lived in Alexandria for 31 years and seeing this coupled with all those memories. Again dude awesome video man, I love my city so much and seeing this was surreal.

Great video! You deserve 40,000 subscribers! :)

I really like your commentary on these malls. It's a shame you don't live further south. Birmingham used to be ripe with abandoned malls. Earlier this year, Huntsville demolished their first regional mall, Madison Square Mall. In Tuscaloosa, the McFarland Mall has been seeing a recent boon. Just 10 minutes away from my house is the Western Hills Mall which just refuses to die after being on its last legs for 10 years. Malls in my state are so fragile it seems.

Wow! that was awesome - as usual -- your vids rock and captivate me always!

Great video Sal! I grew up in that area in the late 80s and early 90s and spent many days there in Landmark Mall and Springfield Mall. Love the touch of the old commercials from back in the day as well! Now I live in the Philippines where the old style enclosed malls are still king and THE place to go and get away from it all. If you love gigantic malls, check out some videos of the new SM Seaside City Cebu nearby to where I live today to see the 6th largest shopping mall in the world. BTW at 16:47, remember that radar detectors are illegal in Virginia so make sure to unplug yours and unmount it when in Virginia to avoid the hassle of being pulled over and needlessly ticketed. Looking forward to more of your videos!