The Lloyd Center mall, located in Northeast Portland, is one of Portland’s iconic landmarks. Opening in 1960, the mall was one of the largest in the nation and housed the first indoor ice skating rink in a mall, according to KOIN 6.
When it first opened, the Lloyd Center was a huge attraction, as the skating rink was the only one in proximity to the city. According to KGW 8, the mall has struggled to keep up economically following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lloyd Center owners, Urban Renaissance Group and KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, announced on KGW 8 that it will be fully demolished by the end of this year, but no official date has been confirmed.
Students who grew up visiting the mall have mixed feelings about Lloyd Center’s closure.
Sophomore Jane Paras has had many memorable experiences at the stores and at the skating rink with friends and family, and she is sad to see the mall closing.
“My favorite memory [at] Lloyd Center would be with a past partner of mine, [first meeting the friends at the mall,] got close to his friends. We’re [still] really close to this day, the boy not so much. [I remember] going through the mall and being astonished with how big it actually was. It was amazing,” said Paras.
Junior Tasha Asuman was a recreational figure skater at Lloyd Center and has many positive memories there. She also sympathizes with the business owners losing their storefronts.
“There are so many small businesses within the mall and all of the owners are so kind. Not to mention that the ice rink is one of the oldest rinks in Portland, with tons of history,” said Asuman. “I do not think it’s a good thing the mall is shutting down [because] as of lately, it has been becoming more lively again with small businesses and markets. As a figure skater, I love the community and the mall in general.”
The owners of the Lloyd Center plan to completely renovate the area, adding a neighborhood including housing, restaurants and entertainment, according to Fox 12 Oregon.
Junior Brooke Mason thinks that these renovations could bring back the positive nature that the Lloyd Center once had, even if she is sad to see it go.
“I truly hope that the community can make it [Lloyd Center] into something positive, even though it is devastating to lose this iconic site. If it does turn into housing, I hope that green spaces, park and walkable areas are incorporated throughout. It is very sad, and I made many memories there,” said Mason.
If you want to go skating one last time or relive childhood memories, visit the Lloyd Center soon. If you’re looking for an alternative skating experience, Mountain View Ice Arena is the closest in proximity to Portland.
