What Happened To Acadiana Mall, So Saddened By My Recent Visit: CJ’s Daily Message March 24, 2019

This week I visited Acadiana Mall and my eyes could not believe what I saw.  I was in Acadiana Mall not long ago, during my visit a few days ago, it looked like a completely different place.

I drove up to one of the higher end anchor stores at Acadiana Mall and the first thing I noticed was the lack of cars in the parking lot.  When I walked in, I was in total dismay.  The store was dingy, carpets were filthy, shelves were not stocked and the associates were walking around in a daze as if to say please buy something.  I had no idea what was going on.  It was like I had landed on another planet.

Having not been to the mall in a while, I felt compelled to take a stroll.  As I entered the main mall area, may jaw dropped.  Stores, many many stores just gone.  Store fronts dark and empty.  Food court, barely had anyone in it as several restaurants have evacuated.  Light fixtures with burned out bulbs.  I almost cried.  It really hurt my heart to see such an icon in our city in this condition.

I had heard the mall was recently sold, but I had no idea why.  I think I know now.  And to think, for the original owners, Acadiana Mall was their biggest mall in the whole company for years and years.

I don't want to see Acadiana Mall go away.  This is just bad bad all the way around.  I sometimes see YouTube videos of abandoned malls and it's very very sad to me.  I don't want our mall to end up on YouTube.  I certainly don't have any idea how to save but I hope someone does.

I've been sad for three days now over what I saw.  I never thought I would see Acadiana Mall at risk of disappearing in my lifetime.  I just can't believe it.