Lakeside Mall is the Ugliest Behemoth I've Ever Seen

[globe9]

I was driving past Lakeside on Causeway(street level, not overpass, which is where I usually drive past) and just could not believe how ugly this place has become. Big, hulking buildings tower over the original building. I always said that when they remodeled back in the early 90's, they should have done it right and added a 2nd floor for more stores. I always hated going to Lakeside anyway, but jeez, what an eyesore in the middle of Metairie.

Why doesn't anyone shop out at Esplanade Mall where there is plenty of room? I always go here at Xmas time b/c there is no one there. I found a parking spot 3 places away from the building on Dec. 23rd this year! Is it b/c it's so far away(relatively speaking) or b/c of the hoodlums that hang out there?

[PNG]

It is about as unattractive as the airport both inside and out.

[Pelican Six]

I was driving past Lakeside on Causeway(street level, not overpass, which is where I usually drive past) and just could not believe how ugly this place has become. Big, hulking buildings tower over the original building. I always said that when they remodeled back in the early 90's, they should have done it right and added a 2nd floor for more stores. I always hated going to Lakeside anyway, but jeez, what an eyesore in the middle of Metairie.

Why doesn't anyone shop out at Esplanade Mall where there is plenty of room? I always go here at Xmas time b/c there is no one there. I found a parking spot 3 places away from the building on Dec. 23rd this year! Is it b/c it's so far away(relatively speaking) or b/c of the hoodlums that hang out there?

Necessary evil. Macy's is building an outparcel facility at Lakeside, and they have built a parking garage to increase the lot's capacity - which was sorely needed. There are too few shopping options in the GNO area as it is.

As far as The Esplanade is concerned, Macy's is also coming back there, but their big problem since the storm has been an explosion of "Urban Fashion" stores, along with all of the lovely patrons they serve. How many leather "Scarface" jackets can you sell?

However, word on the street from a couple of local pols is that The Esplanade will shortly begin cleaning up it's act and courting more upscale retailers. That would be great - it's an attractive facility and very convenient to my home and work.

[buzd]

Why doesn't anyone shop out at Esplanade Mall where there is plenty of room? I always go here at Xmas time b/c there is no one there. I found a parking spot 3 places away from the building on Dec. 23rd this year! Is it b/c it's so far away(relatively speaking) or b/c of the hoodlums that hang out there?

It's the hoodlums. We went to Esplanade last Christmas and it was a nightmare. There are no cool shops left - it's virtually all "urban wear" (which is fine and has its place, but not exclusively). Nobody was in a good mood - parents yelling at their kids, po'ed thugs, and everyone was pretty much miserable. I'm miserable at Christmas too, but sheesh.

[Suzy Wong]

What is a Macy's outparcel facility?

Lakeside has some good stores, BUT TOO MANY PEOPLE:eek:.

It's a hulking gray monster that ATE the mall.

It looks like a prison.

[BTG]

I can't stand going to Lakeside. The flow of traffic in and around there is a pain in the ass and malls generally get on my nerves.
There really aren't any good malls in and around N.O., so it is the best option of you are going to one for now.

I am heading to Lagers in a few minutes for some beer and maybe a bite to eat and I am always wishing they were in a better location away from the mall so I would feel like going more often.

[Admin]

What is a Macy's outparcel facility?

Means it's not really connected to the mall other than, in this case, by a cover over the driveway between it and the store. Kind of like the typical auto store out in the far corner of the parking lot, but way closer. Malls have to maintain a certain number of parking spaces per square foot of retail space, so if you plant a 3-story Macy's where a parking lot was before, you have to make up for what was lost, plus more.

[Pelican Six]

I think the new building is beautiful because it represents COMMERCE and INVESTMENT in the area. The fact that Macy's is committing to such a large capital outlay is an encouraging sign for our area.

I spent several years growing up in Gentilly and the place to go for shopping at the time was The Plaza in N.O. East. It was state of the art, with an ice-skating rink in the center. Anybody remember what happened to it? The same thing that happened to Gentilly. Now it's a pile of rubble.

Lakeside has some good stores, but personally, Household Six and I prefer the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Nice stores, better clientele, and much improved traffic flow since the completion of the new ramps at the Bluebonnet exit.

[BTG]

I Household Six and I prefer the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. Nice stores, better clientele, and much improved traffic flow since the completion of the new ramps at the Bluebonnet exit.

That place is very nice. It is sad that you could never have anything like that within 50 miles of the city because people would beat the developer up and down and drive them away.
I know the land issue is different, but there is so much anti anything nice in the city for the sake of preservation.

[Suzy Wong]

Thanks for the answers.

I don't think Lakeside is suffering from lack of business.

Thanks! I live in Gentilly;)

But you can keep Kenner. please JJ

Then Everyone's a happy camper.