Dead Mall Rising

Haunting. Surreal. Nostalgic. These are words that come to mind when discussing dead malls. Not long ago, the mall was more than a place to shop—it was a popular hangout, entertainment center, and social hub. Malls were the unofficial town squares of many suburban communities in America. El Con Mall in Tucson, Arizona, was a prime example. For nearly three decades, El Con was “the place to be” in the Old Pueblo. However, by the 2000s, El Con was a dead mall, and in 2011, what remained of it was demolished. This book functions as a case study on dead malls. Whether you are a former El Con patron, dead mall enthusiast, or fan of shopping malls in general, join me on this nostalgic journey through the history of El Con Mall. Using the power of story, we will bring a dead mall back to life.