Let’s take a stroll down Memory Lane today, fellow yinzers! Those of us who grew up in Pittsburgh have all – at least one time or another – been to or passed by Century II Mall, three floors once jam-packed with stores, restaurants, and people. But, after a run of nearly 40 years, the once-popular mall in Pittsburgh has become only a memory for those of us who regularly shopped, who hung out with our friends on Friday and Saturday nights, and who got all of our Christmas shopping done there.
Remember the good old days when Century III, which opened in October 1977, was always so busy that we’d have to go searching for a parking space? Fortunately, the mall had plenty of parking spaces and six entrances.
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
Of course, on rainy and snowy days, the prime parking spots were always at the underground parking lot near the Sears downstairs entrance.
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
When it first opened in 1979, Century III held distinction as the world’s third largest mall, boasting 1,290,000-square feet of shops, restaurants, the food court, and decorative fountains. (And, it attracted shoppers from all over PA and beyond.)
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
In those early days, the mall was home to all the biggest brand stores in the area: Montgomery Wards (remember walking up the elevated walkway to get to the first floor indoor entrance?), Gimbel’s, Sears, Kaufmann’s, and JCPenney.
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
Throughout the years, stores came and went. But, for most of those years, the food court was always busy, with shoppers ordering meals from such eateries as Wendy’s, Taco Tina’s, Orange Julius, and Italian Village Pizza.
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
What were some of your favorite shops or eateries at Century III over the years? Gene & Boots Candies? Wicks ‘N Sticks? National Record Mart? Fashion Bug? Or, another one?
Wikimedia Commons/lsiegel3
Unfortunately, Century III Mall began its downward spiral at the end of the 20th century. Some attribute the downfall to the new shops at the Waterfront and the appeal of new malls like The Mall at Robinson and Pittsburgh Mills.
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
By 2006, Century III faced a 30 percent vacancy rate, which would only increase in the coming years. Then, in 2013, it looked like Century III would be reborn when Moonbeam Capital Investments LLC purchased the struggling mall.
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
However, the plans to revive the mall to its former glory stalled. A sheriff’s sale was scheduled - and postponed - several times in 2018. A broken water system led to the temporary closure of the mall in February 2019 and…
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
Just days later, the few tenants who remained were given notice to vacate their space within 30 days. Only JcPenney and Dick’s remain, and what will happen to the now-empty mall remains unclear.
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
What are your favorite memories of Century III Mall in Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, if you’re feeling a bit misty-eyed or nostalgic, click here to read about 12 of the stores we all knew if we grew up in Pittsburgh.
Flickr/Jacob Bizub
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
Wikimedia Commons/lsiegel3
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
