Death of a Shopping Center in Evansville Indiana
80Where Did They Go?
Well if you're looking for a book you could always stop at Books-a-Million; oh wait, that business closed. Okay, since you are on that side of town, just stop at Dunham's and pick up the baseball helmet; oh wait, that business closed. Let's see, you could pick up the curtain material at Jo Ann's Fabrics; oh wait, that business moved.
Well I know Target moved so you can't go there. How about going to Bayside Ltd and looking for that wedding gift you need? Oh wait, but business closed too. Well, at least you can go to CVS and get the medicine you needed; well darn, it isn't there any longer either. You could pick up the cards and wrapping paper you need for the gifts;
oh no, it's moved too. I am having a hard time remembering what stores are left in Washington Lawndale Commons.
It's a shame to see so much retail space sit empty. Currently, there are 15 total available retail units and just 6 businesses still operating in the strip mall. I'd just don't understand why that shopping center seems to be dying. It used to be a great place to go and take care lot of your running at one time. Hopefully, some new businesses will move in soon and save Washington Lawndale Commons.
The Retail Stores Remaining
Big Lots - Big Lots sells pet, office, paining and gardening supplies. They also have clothing, housewares, food, cleaners and tons of other discounted items.
Dollar Tree - Dollar Tree sells everything in the store for $1. They have party and office supplies, cards and wrapping paper. Food, storage and many other items.
United States Postal Service - The post office sells stamps, money order and priority boxes/ envelopes. They also accept letters and packages for mailing and rent post office boxes.
Jennifer's Hallmark - Jennifer's Hallmark sells greeting cards, wrapping paper, novelty and collectible items.
Stein Mart - Stein Mart sells men's and women's clothes and accessories in addition to linens and other items for the bedroom and bathroom.
Roger's Jeweler's - Roger's Jeweler's has been a tenant longer than any of they other open businesses in the strip mall by decades. They sell/repair jewelry and watches.
Active Retail Stores
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Change is needed
Washington Lawndale Commons used to be one of the busiest areas for shopping and business in Evansville, Indiana. During the last several years many of the businesses have relocated or closed due to loss of patrons and low profits. Without a solid anchor store there's little hope that the shopping center will return to its former greatness.
Washington Lawndale Commons is located between Washington Avenue and Bellemeade Avenue along Green River Road. This is on the south east side of Evansville Indiana. Washington Lawndale Commons resembles a strip mall and was at one time anchor on each end; the south end being Heritage Federal Bank and the north end being Target.
One problem that has plagued Washington Lawndale Commons is competition from the north end of Green River Road; which is home to a Simon mall, ToysRUs, Eastland Place shopping center and many additional popular shopping locations.
Eats and Treats
Click thumbnail to view full-size
More recently, additional competition has come from the intersection of Burkhardt Road and the Lloyd Expressway. Wal-Mart, Kohl's, Home Depot, Target, BabiesRUs and Best Buy to name a few of the stores at that intersection. The ability to shop for everything and not close proximity has made that a very popular and congested area.
There are 5 restaurants on the outskirts of the parking lot that would also be helped if new retail stores would move in to Washington Lawndale Commons. Most of them are not busy very often and, at this point, may also be in jeopardy of closing.
Washington Lawndale Commons provides plenty of parking and a city bus transfer location so that should not be an issue. There are stoplights that include turn lanes to avoid congestion. Dine in and fast food Restaurants are close to this shopping center to allow people to find a place for lunch, dinner or a snack. There is a mall close by four other shopping options; as well as many other individual stores on both sides of Green River Road.
There will have to be a popular store or business take up a residence in Washington Lawndale Commons in order to draw other businesses to that area. It is sad to watch a woods popular area fall by the wayside. There are already too many empty buildings in this area and many other areas of the city to ignore this problem.
Restaurants in Washington Lawndale Commons
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant - Hacienda is an affordable dine in restaurant complete with a bar. Their chips and salsa are delicious and frozen margarita's can't be beat.
Kentucky Fried Chicken - KFC serves chicken in snacks,family or individual meals with grilled, original (fried) and extra crispy (fried). They offer a good selection of sides.
Mike Libs and the Chocolate Factory - Lib's candies have been around for many years and offers a regular year round selection of sweets with special candies made only for certain holidays.
Baskin Robbins - Baskin Robbins offers 31 flavors of delicious ice cream and can be bought in cups, cones or pints. They also make ice cream cakes to order.
Sir Beef - Sir Beef serves incredible roast beef sandwiches, sides and other items that really have a great taste. The restaurant has been there for many years.
HubPages is for You!
If you enjoy writing and would like to meet some very talented and interesting people while writing and earning money; HubPages may be the place for you. Registration is fast and free. The forums provide lots of good and useful information.
Just click this to join HubPages and get started today!
 | Amazon Price: $10.08 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $17.99 List Price: $34.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $19.95 |
CommentsLoading...
Hi Kyriana-I was fascinated by your opening paragraphs, because what you described could be my little town here in California. There are so many empty lots, it's fast becoming a ghost town. Scary stuff.
Hopefully the economy is in recovery so that business can once again thrive.
Thanks for this hub-if I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I'll know what I'm doing! :)
Thanks for the comments. That is just one of the shopping centers like that here. I could have probably written this about 2 other areas of town where the same thing has happened.
It is scary and sad when you go to a store to pick up an item that you can only find at that store and the store is gone.
Read my spa hub, if you ever get to this area we can go there instead :D
Gyaaah, it's so depressing!!!
Kyriana your hub Death of a Shopping Center is right on point. I have watched the area decline for the last fifteen years or so. Like Washington Square Mall, if it were not for Sears it to would be nothing more than a big empty parking lot.
Good hub, this is happening in many areas.
Good grief. Evansville is my hometown but I haven't been there in several years. I didn't realize this shopping center had gone down like that. Greenriver Rd. right? I hope that area springs back. I miss being there. I only ran across your article because I publish Hubs also and used the word Evansville as a "suggested link" and happen to notice it.
saleheensblog 20 months ago
I am not acquainted with what is happening in your place but still I can understand it is a very timely hub. People need to stop a bit and think.