Upstate New York Nostalgia: Latham Circle Mall
Nothing hits the emotional rewind button quite like old photos of places that once played a big role in our Upstate New York lives. One glance, and suddenly you’re back there — a specific year, a specific season, maybe even a specific version of yourself.
The gallery below does exactly that. These images were taken inside the Latham Circle Mall shortly before it was demolished in 2013, capturing the final moments of a place that meant more to the Capital Region than it probably ever got credit for. As you scroll through, you’ll almost certainly recognize a few stores, salons, or restaurants.
Back When Malls Were Social Hubs
Photos from “dead” or abandoned malls — especially ones from right here in the Capital Region — tend to hit harder than most. That’s because malls weren’t just places to shop. Through the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and even into the early 2000s, they were social hubs. You shopped, you ate, you wandered, you hung out. If you were a teenager, the mall was the plan.
Even while Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center were thriving, Latham Circle Mall had its own loyal crowd. For residents of North Colonie and beyond, the mall near the infamous Latham roundabouts was a familiar, convenient stop — and sometimes an all-day one…