Cascade Mall has always been the place you’ve been excited to go to. Eating at the food court, playing in the play place, and going to the movies were once all viable ways to spend sometime. Now the mall seems like an empty wasteland soon to collapse on itself. Located in Burlington, the Cascade Mall sits sadly in the lot with current tenants going out of business because people are resorting to online shopping according to Merlone Geier, a real estate company.

   Cascade Mall was opened in 1989 by the Winmar Company. It was later on bought by the Merlone Geier Partners for $25 million to combine it with another mall in California to boost its profits. Last time Cascade Mall changed ownership was in 1999 for $41 million along with Cross Court Plaza for $7 million. Now even with combined forces it still struggles because people go online to shop.

   “Having the option to shop online and just get things delivered right to the comfort of their own home is terrible for malls everywhere,” sophomore Eliot Cooper said.

   Recent reports have stated that Cascade Mall has no current building plans or permits submitted to the city for any construction or work at the Cascade Mall and like many others they have also heard many variations of rumors of plans. JC Penny has already closed down and now Eagle Furniture, after only a while being up in business, is also closing. While people wait, they still can enjoy the other many stores left in the mall.

   “Like all that money and stuff that’s just not there. If it had more expenses and plans to fix up because it does have a lot of potential,” sophomore Ashton Constantine said.

   Many people love the Cascade Mall and don’t want it to close down.

   With no plans at the moment, Cascade Mall will have to sit half empty. According to MerloneGeier.com there are currently 19 open spaces.

   “I think it needs to be rebuilt and they should scout for an investor so it has a possibility of happening,” said Bella Rinne, another sophomore at SWHS.

   Management has said they will not reveal any information.

   “In regards to the future of Cascade Mall, unfortunately we are not releasing any information at this time,” said Julie Tennyson, the marketing director of Cascade Mall.

   After the shooting that took place at the mall September 23, 2016 more stores began to shut their doors for good.

   Now people believe it’s not a very secure place to settle because of how badly it’s doing.

   “It would be a cool spot to go and shop, but like it’s not a good stop to set up shops,” Constantine said.