‘Best mall ever!’ We heard your favorite memories about the Eastland Mall
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Eastland Mall celebrates 50 years as residents reminisce on its vibrant past
- Redevelopment of site into Eastland Yards rekindles cautious local optimism
- Instagram posts reflect community nostalgia, pride, and lingering frustration
Eastland Mall was once the crown jewel of east Charlotte.
Families gathered, teens skated and jobs were plentiful. But its fall from glory hit the community hard. Residents watched as the mall shuttered, redevelopment plans stalled and promises from city leaders came and went. The site sat empty for more than a decade — a painful signal of neglect.
Now, construction is underway on Eastland Yards, a sprawling mix of housing, retail and a massive sports complex. While some longtime residents feel burned by years of dashed expectations, many are cautiously optimistic.
This month marks Eastland Mall’s 50th anniversary — and Charlotteans took to Instagram to share their memories, frustrations and hopes for what comes next.
Here’s what they had to say:
‘So many memories’
Robert S.: “When I used to live in Charlotte I worked at Eastland in the 90s. That mall was the spot. Getting discounts for clothes at American Eagle. I remember seeing RUN DMC hanging out in the front entrance of the mall one Saturday afternoon going to work. Food courts were packed, ice skating was packed, and the whole mall was thriving. So many memories at that mall.”
George B.: “If you were late to the ‘cinema (saw Goonies and a bunch of other movies), Mindboggle Arcade, Waldenbooks, the two level, hardwood floors of Intimate Bookshop, Busch Stationers, Record Bar & Waves record stores, ice skating lessons and the smell of the rink wafting up to Gourmet Gardens, Annabelle’s restaurant, Alanby’s, Farrell’s Ice Cream shop’ Era, I feel sorry for you.”
Shi’s So Official Beauty: “No mall was touching Eastland, made me so proud to be a East side Chaarlotte girl” 🥹
Tracy C.: “I would hang with the eastside cholos/ take blue kiss photos for our binders ✨✨ Wear fresh fits and look for the cute boyzzzz” 😜😜😜💕💕
Shemaine F.: “My childhood and teenage years were spent in that mall...miss those days something crazy” 😢
‘Best mall ever!’
Lisa D.: “The best mall ever ! Saturdays were magic at Eastland Mall !” 😍
Eric K: “I miss this place! My first mall in Charlotte!”
Jamy G.: “When I was a kid, the best part of visiting family in Charlotte was getting to go ice skating at Eastland Mall.” 💕
House of Bliss: “Why did they close this mall and keep north lake ???”
Best place to skate
Crystal B.: “Oh how I loved Eastland. I worked at Payless and Lerner New York back in high school!! I truly miss that mall especially the movie theater and the ice skating rink!!”
Jason R.: “I taught myself how to ice skate there at 5 yrs old” ⛸️
