CharlesTown Mall

CharlesTown Mall, otherwise known as CharlesTown Factory Outlet, was established in the 1920’s for the Savage Arm’s company. After World War 2, Savage Arms was one of the largest gun manufacturers in the world. When the war settled and Savage arms moved; the Remington Rand company announced that they would begin building their new UNIVAC computers at the location. By the mid 1960’s, UNIVAC operations started to wind down, leaving the facility vacant once again. The complex got rebuild for it’s third and seemingly final time, transforming from a factory complex into factory outlet stores. After about a decade of success, the Charlestown outlets closed and is now vacant for good. This abandoned mall is located in Utica, New York; and closed to the public in 1991 due to safety hazards caused by numerous fires throughout the years.

Being located in my hometown, I was always so fascinated with CharlesTown. When I was around fourteen, I would go explore the building with friends; and even my mom one time. I liked to picture what everything looked like when it was brand new. I always asked my parents to share stories knowing they used to shop there. My dad even got my mom’s engagement ring from this outlet. When my dad informed me of the history of the building, I knew I needed to document and carry on what was left of the legacy this mall once held. I know that soon, it will no longer be a part of existence and some might forget about it completely. I see all of the life once held within this run down complex, and hope to inform others of the beauty this building carries to this day.