An empty children’s play area in Washington Square Mall circa 2018. | Photo by Mike Kalasnik via Wikimedia Commons
Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Indianapolis is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Let’s go to the mall
Though still catering to a few shoppers and mall walkers, Hoosiers may remember when Washington Square Mall was bustling with life — they could shop at anchor tenant Sears, children could ride the carousel, and women would storm the mall to meet Fabio.
Lafayette Square Mall is now closed to the public, with plans in place for redevelopment.
Across town, Lafayette Square Mall opened in 1968 as the first enclosed mall in Indianapolis. Back in the day, it impressed shoppers with its 30-ft indoor waterfall + shops like Montgomery Ward and JCPenney. By the mid 2000s, however, the mall had changed + its popularity began to decline.
Stroller Walking Wednesday | 11 a.m. | Barnes & Noble, Plainfield | Free | Meet up with other parents + their tots for a window shopping walk complete with free samples, gift card giveaways, and a splash pad sesh.
Rainbow Paperweights | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Glass Arts Indiana | $75 | Celebrate Pride Month by creating a beautiful glass piece to take home.
Sourdough Workshop | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | For the Love of Design, Greenwood | $35 | Learn how to make sourdough + take home your own starter.
Friday, June 27
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas | Friday, June 27-Sunday, Sept. 28 | 10 a.m. | Newfields | $15+ | Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas from the Smithsonian American Art Museum is a colorful collection of paintings from the groundbreaking artist — on view at Newfields beginning June 28.*
PopCon | Friday, June 27-Sunday, June 29 | Times vary | Indiana Convention Center | $40+ | Attend panels, meet celebrities, learn new skills, and show off your fandom at the ultimate pop culture convention.
Art Walk | 4 p.m. | Zionsville Main Street | Free | Stroll the charming downtown streets while enjoying fine art, live demonstrations, and creative local culture.
Inflation may be hitting your wallet hard — but at least it won’t affect your tuition costs. All 15 of Indiana’s public colleges and universities have committed to hold tuition fees flat for in-state undergrads for the next two academic years. Check out the list of schools. (WTHR)
Development
If you’ve always wanted to live on the Monon, your chance may be coming soon. Onyx+East is planning a 125-home project adjacent to the trail in Westfield, including a public bike-fix station and 9.5 acres of open space. City Council will vote on the development on Monday, Sept. 8. (IndyStar)
Community
The Fishers Health Department issued a public health advisory for Geist Reservoir + parts of the White River due to higher levels of E. coli, likely linked to recent rainfall and high temps. See areas to avoid before you swim. (WTHR)
Plan Ahead
Nothing says Independence Day like an ice cream social. On Thursday, July 4, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will offer free tours, plus LiftOff Creamery ice cream for purchase, live music from the White River Jazz Band, balloon artists, crafts, and pet adoptions. Get free tickets.
Concert
A Brandy-new show has been added to Indy’s concert season. Brandy and Monica will bring their “The Boy Is Mine Tour” to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, Oct. 19. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m.
Coming Soon
Nothing fishy about this announcement. Local restaurateurs Mark and Lauren Weghorst are bringing a fourth Slapfish location to central Indiana, this time at the Market District in Carmel. The seafood restaurant is expected to open later this year. (WTHR)
Sports
Injuries aside, there are a few reasons why the Pacers came up just short in the NBA Finals. Get Tony East’s take with Locked On.
Giveaway
Want a free trip to Charleston? Enter Indy Eleven’s Summer of Soccer Sweepstakes for a chance to win flights, hotel, and food for two — plus tickets to the Sept. 6 road match. It’s easy, and entry’s open through Monday, July 14. Sign up and get in the game.*
Community
Experience the best in local produce and artisanal goods at the Brownsburg Farmers Market. Every Thursday evening from now to August, 50+ vendors gather at Town Hall Green with fresh, locally sourced items and weekly special events. See why it’s a summer must-do.*
Job
POV: You’re in a bind trying to fill an important role for your local biz. We can help. Post your job on INDYtoday Job Board and get connected to top local talent. Psst — it’s completely free.
Category
The Buy
Printer ink that’s shipped to your house when you’re running low (yes, it’s a thing). HP Instant Ink makes printing worry-free by delivering ink before you run out automatically. Save up to 50% compared to buying cartridges the old-fashioned way.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Two words: Kitten yoga. YogaSix and IndyHumane are partnering up on Saturday, June 28 for a purrfect yoga event complete with on-site adoptions, a raffle, free class credits, and more. Download the YogaSix app to sign up right meow.
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