The new Kerasotes theater(ahem, Niles Showplace 12) is NOT detached, it’s connected to the west end of the mall, and was built over an old western entrance that led to the Greenwood Ave. side of the lot. If you’re talking about the old 3-screen theater(now Xsport Fitness, I was surprised back in the early 2000s they chose to only gut the building, and not tear it down), that was detached. Not to also mention it had a very similar design to another theater I frequented in my youth, Lincoln Village 7-9(renumbered from 1-3 to this after 1-6 were built in what, the early 90s/late 80s?) theaters(those theaters closed in 2001(?), were torn down, and replaced by Borders).

For GGP still owning Golf Mill, I have not been able to figure out for sure if they sold it. It isn’t on the company’s regular site anymore, so my guess is that they likely sold the mall to another company. This wouldn’t shock me, since GGP is in bankruptcy. (am slightly surprised GGP hasn’t sold off Spring Hill, btw) The current logo on GM’s website is still the same from when GGP finished the Golf Mill renovations in 2007, so I’m still a little unsure here. If anyone knows the answer better than me, please don’t be afraid to step forward and post!

Yes, the mall has had a very diverse and ethnic clientele for years, but is anyone really that surprised, considering the high number of immigrants that settled in Niles during the 90s and 2000s? Plus, the nearby shopping centers in the area are definitely not seedy(and of course many shops do cater to the nearby Korean and Indian population, so I’m not surprised to hear the ’seedy’ comments). I guess I’m the rare white male who’s above average at accepting people of different races and ethnicities. Plus, enjoy Korean and Indian food too. *sigh*

Finally, Meijer is about to move into the Value City space slightly west of here on Golf Rd., and this will be one of 2 stores(the other is in Orland Park) testing a slightly scaled-down store concept. I welcome them with open arms, considering I was a huge fan of shopping there when I briefly went to college outside of Chicago! Seedy area(alright I’ll give you perhaps that a few apartment complexes south of there are marginally seedy, but I still consider the overall area NOT dangerous) my arse….

Sears at GM is actually quite a bit better than it used to be.

The old movie theater kept declining the last few years. It was time to go. New, detached multiplex now.

Correct. It was Hermann’s sporting goods on the north end. Not a great store; no great loss.

In general, the current GM caters to lower middle-class customers, not so much middle-class anymore. Nothing wrong with that.

People should be aware there’s a rougher element than before on this end of Niles. Some gang and druggie types. There’ve been several incidents at GM. Generally, you’re quite safe. But don’t put yourself at risk either.

I went to see “Stand By Me” at the movie theater with some friends when they were building the indoor mall. We walked through it after the movie (it was wide open) and smoked cigarettes. I remember sitting in the middle of it, looking around and thinking to myself how ugly it looked. I’ve never liked that mall. When it opened, there was a lot of “Totally 80s!” neon and mirror. A lot of the same fixtures were still there until recently.

The whole Golf Mill area was always a tad seedy, imo, but my fondest memories are from the days of the original movie theater & outdoor mall, Bowl & Dine, the original Pinocchios, Axle Roller Rink, Lawrey’s Records, Mil-Run Theater, Millionaire’s Club, Golden Bear, Burger King, Ponderosa, etc.