Recent comments in /f/Pennsylvania

Or0b0ur0s t1_jc1r049 wrote

Reply to comment by makingmozzarella in Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing, PA. This scene comes from 1971 at the mall’s clock tower. by AxlCobainVedder

That exact Spencers is still there, though I don't think the clock is. I was just there the other week.

Berkshire isn't doing well; there's a lot of empty stores and a lot of stores closed during the week that are still full and must open for the weekend or something.

But it's doing better than Fairgrounds was before the end. At least there are stores and kiosks in the middle that sell something other than cell phone accessories. All the really fun stuff is gone, though, including the pet store and 2 out of 3 of the anchor stores. Boscov's is the only one left.

11

alinerie t1_jc1efff wrote

Reply to Any scenic route(s) from DC up to the Pocono Township area? by CrownStarr

We tired of the truck traffic on Rt 81 traveling from Harrisburg north to our old residence in Susquehanna county. We enjoyed taking the extra time and following Rt 22 to Rt 11 north along the Susquehanna river. You can hop on Rt 80 outside Danville PA for a quick ride east to the Poconos.

1

ronreadingpa t1_jc1cw36 wrote

Reply to Berkshire Mall in Wyomissing, PA. This scene comes from 1971 at the mall’s clock tower. by AxlCobainVedder

For me Berkshire Mall is a time capsule. The main concourse; floors and molded seats near center court are so 1970s. Love the late 80s / early 90s look of the food court that opened in Dec-89; love the neon.

The mall's fate was practically sealed when it was sold to Namdar. My take is they'll milk it for what they can while seeking out redevelopment opportunities. It's important to note Berkshire Mall West, last I checked, is separately owned; wasn't sold to Namdar.

Unlike Fairgrounds in which Boscov's owns both its building and ground underneath plus the farmer's market, Namdar own the entire mall outright. A question though is the terms of Boscov's lease. Often are very favorable. Including renewal options, lease could easily be 50-90 years total. Think 2050 and beyond. That could be a sticking point, but see it as a motivation to keep some of the mall.

My view is they should keep center court to Boscov's and demolish the rest of the mall. Basically, downsize it to about half or less than its current size. Consolidate stores into the smaller footprint. Then put in separate retail, commercial and/or apartment buildings on the remainder.

In short, the current mall is on its last legs. Take the time to visit.

9