Something's been bothering me lately. Where I live, there has been a major push for the redevelopment of some older areas of town. In the past 10 years, what was once a dilapidated turn of the century warehouse district, is now alive again with loft apartments, retail, restaurants and office space. I think that this is a beautiful thing, to take something old and make it new again, without losing the integrity of the original building. What really gets under my skin, though, is how developers will come in with the bulldozer at the drop of a hat to destroy a building that has years of history associated with it. Recently, a company out of San Antonio purchased the old Lake Air Mall in Waco. Lake Air Mall was one of the first completely indoor, climate controlled malls in the South, built sometime in the early 1960's. My Dad worked at the Montgomery Ward store there years ago. I used to have so much fun exploring this place when I was a kid. This company came in, leveled the place and replaced it with big box, national retailer crap. Then, they proceeded to rename it... "Lake Air Mall". There was absolutely nothing wrong with the old building, no asbestos, no foundation problems, no electrical or plumbing problems, in fact it underwent a pretty extensive renovation in the 80's. Now, I know malls aren't of significant historical importance, but to the locals that worked and shopped there over the years, it holds a special place in there hearts. It's amazing how loud the almighty dollar can shout when it needs to. Am I the only one who thinks this way?
Lake Air Mall photos from www.mallsofamerica.com
 
Old is new again...
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