Century III Mall Memories
Pictures chronicling Century III Mall over the years, from construction to the present.
Video created by Gary Nelson. Pictures courtesy of their respective owners.
Song: Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) - Cinderella (No copyright infringement intended.)
West Penn Media and its subsidiary, Lost Westmoreland Media Group, maintains interactive websites and social networking mediums that provide an in-depth exploration of Western Pennsylvania history and community-interest matters, with an emphasis on the Westmoreland County region.
Visit our websites at www.greengatemallrevisited.com/ and www.greensburgmemories.com/
Пікірлер: 172
Why did the 80's ever have to end. This mall was magical then.
@plarsen9433
5 жыл бұрын
Jim DiThomas sadly decades come and go shopping experiences come go “we don’t know what we got until it’s gone”.😢
@googleblows4016
4 жыл бұрын
Don't worry about it. Kennywood is putting in the new 80's Century III Mall theme ride this season!
@levipette
4 жыл бұрын
It sure was i miss the 80s
@rowlandbuck2703
3 жыл бұрын
I remember seeing Richard Simmons! Mall was amazing.
@monkeywkeys3916
3 жыл бұрын
When Cinderella was released you knew the '80s were doomed.
Seeing this mall close has been a tough pill to swallow. One day we'll regret it all when there's no longer in store shopping. Stay safe everyone and hug your loved ones a lil tighter
@tomrodgers6629
2 жыл бұрын
Thank goodness for South Hills Village and Robinson Town Center. They seem to still be going strong.
@DK-tv6rk
2 жыл бұрын
Malls aren’t going away as a whole
@tomrodgers6629
2 жыл бұрын
@@DK-tv6rk They most likely will not. But I do not understand why sitting at home on your but is more appealing then going out. Going to the mall used to be an event. something to look forward to. I did my time as a mallrat and I tell you those are some good memories.
@popscola2574
2 жыл бұрын
@@tomrodgers6629 they blow though man. Even that which we love isnt good because that which we loved was the inventory of the 80s and 90s. The toys and games. The restaurants and apparel. The music and the movies. Bringing C3M back wont matter as the inventory blows.
@jonimichalski1403
Жыл бұрын
Yes I don't know if you heard but today was the final straw for century 3 mall.people asking that be destroyed because there WAS fire there this morning. Ps no one WAS injured thank God
This hit harder than it should.
Wow! What an awesome choice for a song.
My local mall is closing July 15th. Eastfield Mall Springfield, MA. I've gone there everyday for the past week shooting photos and video of everything interior/exterior and taking it all in. To be honest, it's not the loss of the mall that's bothering me (that too) but the loss of my childhood. I'm 50 and the 1982 Sears Christmas Wish Book seems so long ago.......
A lot of great memories in this place. I remember going here every weekend in the 80's with my mom and grandmother. Then as I got older and had my own car my high school friends and I would come here after school. God I will miss this place and I will cherish the memories FOREVER!
I've never been to this mall, but I remember the magic of malls like it back in the day, and this really does break my heart. I work in a mall anchor store, and have for over 20 years, and I can tell you nothing now is the same about it or the people who still shop there.
Man this made me so sad to watch this. I grew up in the 80's and early 90's and would drive with my friends from Mt. Lebanon to Century 3 Mall on the weekends because it was such an awesome mall. Damn.
Sooo sad, what a trip down memory lane. I remember every single one of those stores, feels like it was just yesterday.
THANX FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES I HAD AT CENTURY 3 MALL! 1986-97! THIS MALL WAS EVERYTHING TO ALOT OF US, RAISING OUR FAMILIES, SHOPPING, SPECIAL EVENTS, FRIENDSHIPS & MEMORIES!
@user-ll3hr3bq3e
4 ай бұрын
i don't blame you ive been loving that place since first glance and grew up with it
My friends and I practically lived in this mall. Great times, greater memories. Yinz have NO IDEA what you missed out on. Walmart showed up and the mall died. LONG LIVE CENTURY III
It's like a death in the family. You know the one where everyone goes and cries because they were such a wonderful person and everyone had at least one funny story about them. I spent most of my childhood and teenage years there. The eighties and early nineties were a great time. Good bye my old friend. You will be missed. R. I.P Deb Sears Ruby's Tuesday Marshalls J.C. Penny Record Mart Petland The arcade Claire's boutique Fashion bug Spencer's Orange Julius Pizza palace Elby's big boy
Wow! I actually hurt inside a little watching this. Great video. Thank you!
This is incredibly sad! I remember when I was 3-8 my Mom and Gran always went to this mall. I just remember from chilhood memories how busy the mall was. Loads of shops, and restaurants to eat at. As a child I was amazed it was 3 floors one side and two floors on the rest. The mall was very welcoming I thought with the carpet, and indoor waterfalls. In 2003 my family moved to North Carolina, then in 2007 we moved to England in Europe. My Gran still lives in Pittsburgh. In 2013 I came for a visit, and my Gran drove past the mall. I asked her "Want to stop in Century 3"? She said "nope, its not the way you remember it". So she drove me to the mall and showed me just how dead the place was! The multi-story car park was crumbling away,stores shut down, ect... .. . Hardly a single car parked at the mall. I was shocked. As a kid I remember the parking both level being completely full!
@jevans8771
3 жыл бұрын
I know so sad. Reminded me of my childhood.
@chellybabyme
Жыл бұрын
I love your story.
@user-ll3hr3bq3e
4 ай бұрын
Great story! you mentioned about this in another videos !
Breaks my heart to see this video of what it once was... I have so many fond memories of that mall with my grandparents.
I lived near Brownsville in the late '80s and early '90s, and going to Century III was a rare event. Babbage's was a cool place to browse for video games. It's sad seeing it in its current state.
Good video. I cried.
To my knowledge, Century III Mall had one of the last "legit" Hickory Farms stores, even in the late 90's, with the meat and cheese coolers and open year round, rather than the kiosks that primarily sell the gift sets only found at christmastime.
Great look back ,I still love going there to remember my youth dates hanging out w friends etc...
I grew up and have lived most of my life in Portland, Oregon, almost 3,000 miles from Century III and did not find out about this mall until about a year ago through Sal's KZread channel. While it's highly unlikely that I'll ever get to set foot inside this mall given the current state of things, it drew me in. Based on what others have said here and elsewhere, Century III was truly a magical place and you can feel that magic in these photos. Though C3 may die, the memories of her will live on in the minds of those who grew up with her and if anything, it's made me appreciate my local malls a bit more and I try to visit them more often. As the song says, you don't know what you've got til' it's gone...
Man! Brings back alot of great memories, my first job was at Wendy’s in century 3 mall 95 i miss those days 🥹
I remember going into that mall when I was 2 and it would always be packed as heck
I was born in ‘77 in west Mifflin and lived 5 miles away from century 3. I literally grew up in this mall. Almost every weekend we went shopping there. I got my first job there at Sears. It was really like a second home. So many friends and good times spent there. It’s hard to believe that it’s gone.
From a vibrant part of the prosperous 1980s and 90s to a decaying burnt-out deathtrap of the modern day. I can remember seeing an urbex video inside the ruins from last week, showing briefly the facade of that Waldenbooks from the Mindhunter set- the shadow where the sign was the only mark of what had passed, but even that was an illusion of what actually was there back in 1992.
Sad! I was in my late teens when that mall opened. My friends and I would smoke a few joints, hit the arcade, grab some munchies, maybe talk to a few girls. Those were some good times.
@timhollis3390
5 жыл бұрын
I think I smoked a few joints with you back in the day.lol
Music was perfect for this video
I highly recommend watching this video at .75 playing speed. Otherwise you’ll be pausing every 2-3 seconds trying to see the photos.
Pittsburgh Dad on the drums at 1:44. Small world.
At 0:37 In this video, I can see Elby's Family Restaurant in the background. What memories! I loved Century III, plus I loved that restaurant. I just hope Century III ultimate future is not the same as Elby's. ☹
Just went there today, 11/30/18. Not much left. Dick's Sporting Goods, JC Penny's, nail salon, hair salon, comic book store, and I think four other little independent businesses. Nothing in the food court, and its barricaded off. As is the third floor and most of the second. Used to go there as a teen in the 80's. Awesome decor and architecture, and plenty of cute girls. The place was a beacon of prosperity and good times. Saddening to see it now. What I wouldn't give to relive one hour there in 1989!
@timhollis3390
5 жыл бұрын
Is it JCPenny or JCPenney I remember 1 e too but it's never been that way-The Mandela effect.. look it up
Life in the 80,s was magical wish it never had to change
I wasn't even alive in the 80s really. I'm a 90s kid/baby. Born in 89, but later in the year. I don't know this mall either, but I'm still nostalgic for it. Lol. 😭
I love this mall so so so much great video
I grew up in this mall in the 1980s. the arcade on the top floor of the sears wing was great. I worked the the hobby horse that was next door to the coffee peddler pictured here. I actually met my first girlfriend there named Donna. sorry to see it growing old, but thanks for the memories
@Purebliss007
5 жыл бұрын
it's gone, not just growing old.
@chellybabyme
Жыл бұрын
Donna Pinciotti?
The world is a sad place nowadays 😢
I saw Cinderella in 1987. Really good band
Yesterday was so much better than today, sad to see it go 😭
I will always remember times spent here with my great aunt. She used to take me to this mall all the time. Also spent many rainy days here with my grandparents. All the back 2 school shopping and going to Buster brown shoes with my mom as a kid.
Thanks for sharing. This is a great contrast with the "deal malls" videos being produced most recently.
This is so nice to see, even brought back some stores I'd totally forgotten about. All the Dead Mall tour videos are nice, but Id been wanting to see some of the mall as I'll always remember it, in it's prime. I was just scouring the internet for a picture of Big Boys that was right inside the main entrance & couldnt find one. Saw a glimpse of it at .40. Awesome vid!!!
Beautiful video! Thanks for posting 😢
I have such found memories at that mall. Going there as a young kid and spending many times there in my teens. So sad.
Way to go my friend! excellent video!
Best video of an era ☮️ good song to represent
Great Song....
Man I miss this place my dad and I used to go on here all the time and I miss it RIP
Great video. I miss that place.
Awe I used to work at the Potato Sack....was hoping to see a picture of that. Great video, brings back memories
As of summer 2018, the sign for Waldenbooks was still up (or they put up a new one for the filming of Mindhunter).
Wow, such a difference from then til it closed, sad really
Excellent video. I was just there Tuesday. I guess now they're closed for Good.
2:55 The Coffee Peddler shop looks awesome and still unique today
Nice! good music choice to. One bad thing, You got me craving a cheese steak from the food court I used to eat those all the time. Lol
Damn smoke wizard
I got sad watching this, even though I've never been to this mall or the Pittsburgh area. Things like Wicks n Sticks, and 5-7-9 reminded me of the big mall I used to go to in the 80s. Sad to say that seems to be heading in the same path
I’m a teenager, so my only memories of Century III that really stand out are going there to meet Santa for many years when I was little, I remember the setup they had by heart (if it was still open, this would be the closest mall to us), and doing a thing for Girl Scouts with the Macy’s there, where we wrapped toys for less fortunate kids when I was 8-9. Would’ve loved to see it back in the 80s-00s, I’m obsessed with that look and it just seemed like a cool place to be. I go to South Hills Village, and it’s a good mall, but I genuinely wish Century III was in good shape. I hope that someday these damages can be fixed and the mall can go back to its prime time glory. I doubt it’ll happen, but you can still hope.
@JLU61307
Жыл бұрын
they are gonna tear it down and build an apartment complex in the area
good choice of music.
i hung out at this mall when i was a kid its sad to see it go
This is pretty sad. Richland Mall here in Waco, TX hasn't lost JC Penney yet but we lost Sears, Bealls and another original anchor which was called Wilson's. This mall opened in 1980.
I would shop awhile, then meet my dad at the Kaufman's entrance in front of the turtles. It was not a short car ride to get there from out by the airport but it was worth it for the day.
I miss the 80s...
loved RGM nuthouse. they had like 100 flavors of popcorn
As of 2017 italian village pizza closed and the food court is now private property
After tomorrow Century 3 mall will be totally empty JCPenney will close tomorrow and farewell century 3 mall
And now C3 is shut down and sitting abandoned... Pittsburgh's version of Rotting Acres Mall :(
I like the Guitar part 3:27 (I haven't been in that mall but the others will think this mall as a Nostalgia 20th Century Time Capsule)
how did this happen? south hills village is 15 minutes or so down the road is always busy and that mall is tiny and generic looking compared to century 3
@eellaa5267
5 жыл бұрын
MikeG82 lmao im late to respond to this, but living at least 30 minutes away from century 3 and basically 5 from shv, south hills village is much more convenient for many around mt lebanon, upper st. clair, etc. and it has i guess the generic stores you would expect many to shop to. my family moved to pittsburgh around 2007 and just visiting the place back then compared to my visit around 2 weeks ago haunts me quite a lot, as i would love to come here if it wasnt in the shape that it is today. (and the roads around century 3 haven’t been maintained at all and there are loads of pot holes all around)
@alphavader951
5 жыл бұрын
South hills village took the customers that live in bethel park, south park, and possibly Baldwin away from centrey 3.
@jevans8771
3 жыл бұрын
The 51C stopped going there
I was here yesterday. No food court restaurants left. JCPenny’s and a vape shop, a couple nail salons remain. Dick’s is still there but has separated from the mall with the grate down. Most of the mall is blocked off with tarps, chains & signs and a few fake walls.
@JaShields
5 жыл бұрын
Brittany Coulter now only JCPenney’s is left
dont worry over here in australia our malls in every state of australia are all dead some are open but they dont thrive like they used to in the 80 and 90s somebody said everybody shops online my daughter shops online instead of going to the mall sad
@Adam.deVries
5 жыл бұрын
Marion is always busy so is TTP
Approved for condemnation today 😢
All the black and gold....TJ was there 😂
The place has pretty much no stores left and has like 2 resturaunts left in the food court.
Monroeville Mall is next due to the gang bangers.
@alphavader951
5 жыл бұрын
Ikr
@BobCat623923
3 жыл бұрын
Still goin'...still f@ckin' goin!
I remember when Mircle MAIL WAS BEING BUILT IT IS THE OLDER SHOP ING CENTER IN PGH LOVED SHOP ING THERE WHEN I WAS A CHILD
The couple holding hands at the UPMC Health Plan Kiosk at 2:31 in the video I believe are my girlfriend and I. We went to Monroeville Mall to find the UPMC Kisok empty and then went to Century III.
If Simon Company took ownership of Century III instead of Moonbeam, then it would still be around today instead of getting demolished.
Now it’s official JCPenney is closed forever as of today now century 3 mall is totally empty rip century 3 mall
All american malls looked beautiful such a shame most have now closed
May I ask you where you got some of the photos from the reason I'm asking is my deceased husband is in one of the pictures and I'd love to be able to get the actual picture thank you
Go to SH Village,Ross Park. I see people but not many buying much. Not much variety to stores.
@marshalljimduncan
5 жыл бұрын
South Hills Village and Ross Park malls are thriving, wtf are you talking about?
I didn't know Dottie Dog shopped at Centruy 3 Mall.
Along came Walmart and Amazon. It’s a shame, because people are looking for things to do. Fairs in the summer are usually crowded and fall events are busy. Do we all just want to sit home? Covid destroyed a lot of business owners and opportunities; unless you had deep pockets to weather the pandemic. The mall could have been used as an indoor amusement park, farmers markets, car dealerships under one roof, first of its kind indoor university campus and technology center with dormitories. But gangs, and kids out for a thrill daring each other have ruined that mall into oblivion! All those shops could have been class rooms! Imagine an indoor amusement park when the snow is flying. Sadly those flat roofs once damaged end buildings pretty quickly. I still like to kick the tires before buying. However outdoor malls are thriving? One can only wonder what other uses this mall could have been? As big as it is an assisted living community with post office, banks, doctors offices and grocery stores. Takes imagination and wealth of many people to make these things realistic.
Update First week of June 2018 I believe the mall is closing for good.....Ross Park Mall building is very dirty the brickwork needs cleaned .....will be next Sears has closed Macy’s will be next .......they are renting a vast majority of Sears and Macy’s parking lot to store new cars for North Hills Toyota and Jim Shorky “who took over “ Micks Chrysler Jeep on Mc.Knight Road June 2018 .The old Showcase Cinema Movie theater “Rave” last name it was under is also used to store new cars and trucks for Shultz Ford and the new owner of the Subaru in North Hills ...........Great song by Cinderella ✌️
@marshalljimduncan
5 жыл бұрын
Showcase Cinemas was never in this mall.
Sad ending the Fire today
Where are the pictures of the big bird cage at the entrance?
@timhollis3390
5 жыл бұрын
That was South Hills Village
Now the mall is getting torn down they started tearing down the parking deck and now the mall is going to torn down
I was there today. I took some video. It on my KZread page. Looks a lot worse now
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
alas a ghost town
Hello, I'm Amazon and I will take over the world. RIP brick and mortar stores.
I don't think this mall will be open much longer.
@timhollis3390
5 жыл бұрын
6 stores left 1/20/19
@JaShields
5 жыл бұрын
All of the remaining tenants got 30 day eviction notices as of 2/16/19 but dicks and jcpenney is staying as of now
@keemoify
5 жыл бұрын
@@JaShields what are their plans for it? Tear it down?
@JaShields
5 жыл бұрын
keemoify only store is left is JCPenney for now dicks sporting goods left the mall don’t know the future of the mall
@JLU61307
Жыл бұрын
@@keemoify they plan to, but covid led to it staying. they plan to make an apartment complex there
Sterilize it. Strip the charm and character from it. Why? This is so sad. Bring back the stuff that made malls cool in the 80's and 90's. Thanks for sharing.
It’s official century 3 mall is empty
An empty food court in America?? Wow.
0:41 LOL 😂
Unforeantly there's plans to tear down this crown jewel and replace it with a stupid strip mall. Macy's may move somewhere else so may JCPenney. Unless if someone can do something about it. And my worry if they do that the place may totally cave-in because you know it's built on a slag dump.
2021: abandoned
I didn't know that pecker checker Richard Simmons was there before!
sad to see malls like this malls here in oz are doing great seems such a waste
It seems from the pics of the 80s and 90s that they kept the lighting darker which looked better because it hid those gaudy 1970s era ceiling panels. In the 2000s when they made the lighting brighter you could see those ugly ceiling panels and it cheapened the look. It made it look outdated which didn’t help. If future malls are going to go with the brighter look they need to make the ceiling more appealing because it is more visible. They got away with having those ugly ceiling panels in the 80s and 90s because of the darker lighting. Those ugly 70s looking ceiling panels only belong in office buildings because nobody will care because they hate being there in the first place.