Time Capsule Found At South Carolina Mall
Spending 8 years total in Columbia, South Carolina, I’m quite familiar with the big shopping spots. Although I had no idea the Richland Mall was being torn down. While demolishing the property, crews found something odd, a time capsule. According to WLTX, the time capsule isn’t set to be opened until 2033.
The time capsule was buried when the mall first opened in 2000. That’s the year I first moved to Columbia for my first on-air job in radio. Writing on the time capsule says the due date for it to be opened is January 20, 2033. No telling what’s in it! I’m guessing things that were relevant and popular at that time.
With its last remaining store closing in September 2023, the mall is being torn down for a new mixed-use development. A $100 million project is set to be constructed on the old mall property. It will feature a mix of apartments, businesses including a grocery store and a brewery, and a 6-acre green space for hosting events and concerts.
Saying Goodbye To Malls
Richland Mall isn’t the only mall to be demolished for newer developments. Malls around the country have seen declining customers for the last few years. Malls, sadly, are a thing of the past. Growing up in Gastonia, Eastridge Mall was the mall we all went to. In the 1980’s, that mall was hoppin’! Most shopping malls were THE place to go in the 80’s.
I’m a bit surprised that Eastridge Mall is still standing. I’m waiting on someone to decide to tear it down and use the property for something else. One of the only malls in our area that still does stellar business is Southpark Mall. Malls around the country are being turned into living spaces or flattened so that other things can be built on the property.
Lots of Gen X’ers would love to see shopping malls turned into 55 and up living. We’d be all about it! Keeping the food court, the other areas could be turned into apartments. Add a bar, exercise areas, and an arcade, and we’d never leave! A mall in Milwaukee turned a mall into a living space and it’s rockin’.
Where Will The Time Capsule Go
According to WLTX, the city says it will re-bury the time capsule that the demolition crew discovered. The city says they’ll re-bury it on the property before the construction begins on the new development. Guess we’ll have to wait until 2033 to see the contents. What would you put into a time capsule?
Looking at the popular items in 2000, I’m guessing flip phones, Ugg boots, and a Brittany Spears CD. Maybe a video game cartridge and a Tamagotchi virtual pet. Possibly an energy drink too!
Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images
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