I visited Circle Center Mall a couple weeks ago when I was downtown, and figured I'd visit another mall that has been in the news in recent weeks, Lafayette Square. The current management of Lafayette Square claims they're on a path to redevelopment including adding buildings, amenities, and businesses. And they claim they can do it all without tax incentives. So I wanted to stop by and see the progress. All in all, I'd say Lafayette Square is about 70% leased, though it only has one anchor filled and that is a Shopper's World. Compared to Circle Center which is in a central part of town and has a lot more money backing it, I'd say that's pretty good. I didn't take any pictures of this part, but the front part of the mall off of Lafayette Square as well as that specific part of the parking lot probably look better now than they have at all in the past 20 years. As someone who grew up on the northwest side and frequently visited the mall when I was younger, seeing this mall and walking inside bought back a lot of memories. I vividly remember some of the tenants from my youth, and many of the storefronts such as the old bookstore look exactly the same. There is evidence of the mall's former glory days all over, with signs of former tenants that have never been removed, or aging amenities that are still there, but no longer functional. For a fairly dead mall, I'd say it was also fairly clean and I felt safe. There were families with children in the mall, either to grab some food or shop at the several clothing stores. The rest of the property besides the part that faces Lafayette Road though, is in pretty dire condition and I think it'll take a lot of luck to pull off this re-development. read more

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Lafayette Square Mall is a former Simon Mall that was abandoned by the company and over the years has fallen into something resembling disrepair and a rather sad lack of use. The mall, which is in the area where I grew up, has 1.2 million square feet of shopping space. I'm unclear on just how much of it is actually utilized, but it's definitely not that much. There's 113 acres of land and plenty of parking. There are still signs of the terrific mall it used to be - and, I must say, it's still vastly superior to Washington Square (another Simon abandoned mall). This area is now known as International Marketplace precisely because of the tremendous diversity in terms of residents and businesses. If you can't find ethnic food in this area, you're not actually looking. I believe that Shopper's World is now the only true "big box" store to occupy the mall. The mall has a mixed history in terms of violence, though I'll be honest and say I've never felt unsafe here. That said, even the area I grew up in near 43rd & Moller Road is a much rougher area than it was when I was growing up. The area around Lafayette Square still has a pretty healthy business cycle to it. There's a fairly new Wal-Mart Supercenter not far away. At Home is fairly close by and there are several other major chains within a mile. However, this area really has worked to re-establish itself to celebrate its diversity. The stores in Lafayette Square are mostly independently owned shops now. The same is true for the handful of restaurants. I do believe Philly Cheesesteak is still in here and it's not locally owned. The mall has generally the same layout it used to have, though decor is pretty barebones these days. I used to really love wheeling these wide paths from one end to the other. Growing up, Lafayette Square was my favorite mall. I certainly can't say that anymore, though I think it still has its charm. I believe nearly all of the parking lot businesses are closed now. For a while, a pizza joint was here. Movie theaters existed for a while. Heck, I'm old enough that I remember when there was a photo developing place in the parking lot. Lafayette Square still gets a surprising amount of business. I was by here today and while the anchor spots are empty there were still pockets with quite a few cars and the halls had some definite business. While Finish Line is still listed on their website, I'm pretty sure they left a little while back. Overall, I do think Lafayette Square gets a bit of a bad rap. That said, there's also not a lot of reasons to come here as there's no major national retailers beyond Shoppers World and no major attractions outside the indie shops. While I've always felt safe here, Lafayette Square has definitely had some issues and I'd be hard-pressed to call it family friendly at this point. Still, this place has potential. Here's hoping that one day someone comes in and really uses this space well and it doesn't go the way of Eastgate or Washington Square. read more

I bookmarked this place months ago since this place was on my agenda to check out, especially since I am a mall enthusiast visiting many malls that I can before they become extinct. Firstly for a mall that has 1 working anchor and 5 vacant ones, this mall gets alot of foot traffic. It was pretty busy for a Thursday afternoon. There are only a handful of restaurants in the food court and there's just this huge empty space in between. Part of it is also Racetrack themed. The most beautiful part of this mall is the front facade where the clock is and walking down the main entrance. I'm surprised this mall doesn't have a movie theater. There are barely any name brand stores, there's alot of small shops that make up the mall most of which sells accessories, clothing. Didn't feature much variety, it felt like I was walking through a flea market. I definitely wish this mall can rebound from its decline and reprise its glory days. It's not the worst place ever it could be much better. read more

Lafayette Square Mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This is a pretty interesting mall on the west side of Indy. Seems most of the major anchor stores are gone and it's filled with smaller shops. A hand full of barber shops, lots of small clothing stores and even a few restaurants make up the inside of the mall. It is a large space and probably was very busy as some point in time. Overall it seems to work for the people who go there and has some things that the community needs. I've heard many people say that it's a scary place now, but everyone that I met seemed pretty content being there. read more

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I had to kill some time while my car was being worked on down the road at Tires Plus and boy, this was the sketchiest mall I've been to outside of South Atlanta. The stores are all either jewelry, shoes, or local entrepreneurs selling hip-hop fashions. The anchor department stores are Shopper's World - which might be the most bootleg, run-down excuse for a department store that I've ever seen - and Burlington Coat Factory. Oh and if you're looking to duck in and grab a quick meal at the food court don't waste your time. Just hit a fast food joint on Lafayette instead. read more

Lafayette Square Mall - Great mall for a special on Gold teeth! - Shopping Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This mall use to be so nice 30 years ago, now it's really nothing much here plus most of the mall is empty, you would probably have a better chance finding things online than coming here. read more

You know that the mall has fallen when you see Burlington Coat Factory as an anchor store. This used to be the go-to mall in the whole Indianapolis metro area. It had everything you could possibly want and while it was crowded, you could find your way to shop, even on Friday or Saturday night. Now, it doesn't seem there is much of a reason to keep the doors open. West 38th Street is craptacular and you have to be more aware of your surroundings. It's not unusual, though. Malls all over the U.S.A. are declining, partly due to online shopping. Anchor stores are going away, due to consolidation. If a mall isn't owned by General Growth, Simon, or Westfield, it's not likely getting enough money to thrive and they're likely to focus on areas where people have money, and it's not this neighborhood. People will head to Greenwood Park Mall or Keystone or even Castleton Square and you can't blame them. read more

Not what it used to be and that's fine. I don't recommend you going here at all though. Maybe for the actual shops, but not the venders. A specific vender that sold phone cases took my sister's phone and wouldn't give it back until she bought something. He wanted her to pay $50 for a cracked case. She bought a cheaper one, but it was still cracked. Moral of the story? Keep a strong hold on your phone and don't buy from the middle venders. Don't go there at all. I tried calling security, but the number was "unavailable". Will keep trying, but the case wasn't worth the $15 wasted on it and it wasn't what she wanted. P.S. We know that venders are trying to make a living and such and not all are like this, but this wasn't the way to go. read more

Lafayette Square Mall - The cracked phone case - Shopping Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This place is sketchy. There was music when I came on a Sunday which is cool. They have these stands where they sell diablitos which I would recommend trying. It's a tamarind based drink that's got like chili or something spicy in it and tamarind spicy candy coating a straw. You'll see it, it's like $4. Worth trying. read more

Lafayette Square Mall - Diablito! - Shopping Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The mall has fallen into decline with limited stores to shop in. I went to the newly open (5/6 months ago) Gym Addicts. Tre the Trainer is having a buddy special. His workouts are challenging, include a workout and tailored to meet your goals. Glad he found a home in the mall. Perhaps, it's about to experience a comeback! read more

Lafayette Square Mall - Getting the Princess some Vans - Shopping Centers Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I am actively recommending people not to shop at this mall. Walking in, maybe 25% of the storefronts are open and the only name brands are Foot Locker, Champs, Finish Line, and Burlington Coat Factory. The rest of the open stores (again maybe a quarter of the storefronts in the entire mall) are all cheap, knockoff placeholder banners over what clearly used to be name brand stores and chains, with the essence that what they are selling is not entirely legit. Food vendors have no branding apart from "ICE CREAM AND SMOOTHIES" or "MUNCHIES." The food court is an abomination and should not exist, period. The mall smells of old popcorn and the main draws that are advertised on the outside have long since left the mall (Incredible Pizza Company left in 2012!) There are 2 enormous disused buildings on the lot and much of the disuse is blatantly obvious giving a very uninviting feeling. Despite the lack of stores, there are MANY security vehicles patrolling the minimally filled parking lot, giving you the feeling your vehicle and it's belongings will not be safe, should you dare to shop inside, as it seems security in the parking lot is a problem they're attempting to address. Signs all over the doors and windows with missing persons reports, as well as signs on EVERY door telling you not to bring your guns inside, gives you a very unsafe feeling. If you have no reason to go here, don't. Even if you do have a reason, find a way to get out of it, because I can tell you in the 20 minutes I was inside to pick up something quickly, I have not felt quite as scared in a long time. Do not go here. read more

Despite not having anchor stores anymore the middle part of the mall is actually coming back. They got a pretty nice clothing store and furniture store in the middle that just expanded. The food court has a really good smoothie place and Philly cheese steak shop. The front half of the mall just got a facelift within the last year. Just don't use the bathrooms. They don't have soap or toilet paper. read more

DONT GO TO THIS MALL. There is literally no stores no food court. A lot of empty space and the foot traffic is major for absolutely no reason. It's definitely not how it use to be almost 20 years ago. I remember trick or treating here etc. I would never bring my kids to this mall period read more

Stay away! Stay far, far away! Vendors scattering like roaches. Keep the women and children at home if you must go! Mall mainly used as shortcut between 38th Street and Lafayette Road...beware potholes to China. I'm still ticked that Simon didn't consider this site for their corporate offices instead of robbing downtown of a patch of green space for their personal glory. They coulda contributed to the community by jump starting a westside turnaround! read more

Pros: The place was empty Saturday at noon and the Cinnabon guy was quite friendly. Cons: Too much to list but what really stuck out was being approached by a little person caked in makeup selling cheap $5 holiday bags. When I very politely turned her down, she scoffed with an "oh. My. Gawd, really?" Lol. I laughed in her face when I heard her. read more

To start out, I find it very odd that all of the 'non-recommended' reviews commend the mall for what it does, and the review that says that you're certain to get super-raped and robbed is right up top. Moving on... Is Lafayette Square as great as it was? No, how can it be with all the original stores gone (including GNC, and they never leave a mall... until it's circling the drain). I grew up as a Westsider and this was my mall, and when I went to high school I'd eat here after work and haunt the Waldenbooks. It's a lot quieter now, and while I hear the ghosts of the people that don't shop here anymore, I still find it to be what I need. Here are some good things about the Square! Two play areas for your kids. I've taken my nieces here on days when playing outside is out- they have the best time and usually make friends. I treat them with Cinnabon, still good, still deadly. I like walking around in here- it's not so huge that you can get lost, but a few circuits around will net a good workout. Shopper's World might not be the finest department store ever (LS Ayers is gone) but they have good prices and the best perfume counter around. And the best part to me- a true melting pot shops here. I feel connected in the best way to my community, and this is why I'll be a Lafayette Square shopper and defender as long as I can. read more

I was so saddened to hear of the downfall of this mall. I remember when it opened and I worked at JoAnn Fabrics and Block's right after it opened. I was just out of high school. It was a fantastic mall with great stores. Anyone remember SuperX drugs? They were in the mall. Blocks, Penny's JoAnn Fabrics, Bakers and Butlers shoes. Can't remember all of them. read more

I went here today for the first time, and I'm going to give it an honest review as a girl from Chicago. Yeah, this place is pretty ghetto, but nothing at all like outlet malls that I've been to in other places. There's no reason to feel unsafe here. There is much more to find here than last minute stripper clothing, I think that's a bit unfair. I got 2 floral high waisted skirts for the spring for only $5 each, super cute. A brown poof tank top with a flower design, A BeBe trench coat for only $40, Soda slip ons for $11, cute underwear (compare to forever 21) for 99 cents each and a really amazing Mariposa floral design handbag for $20 (retail @ $65). I also had to pass on some really amazing clothes because I didn't want to go overboard with spending. Totally normal, cute & cheap clothing. Ambience: Not so great Deals: Awesome I will be back for sure. :) read more

Nobuyuki S.'s review sums it up in a nutshell. I only come here for 2 reason now 1) Burlington Coat Factory 2) eyebrows. Thats it. Many of the young, urban crowd come here for the shoe stores (Footlocker) and a few urban clothing stores. However, it maybe worth your time to go to Greenwood or Castleton Malls. read more

Used to be a great little mall, no longer. Dirty, very few stores and the staff the stores DO seem suspicious of any shoppers. Too bad

What... no one has reviewed this yet! Used to be a fairly run-down mall on the sketchier side of Indy, but the last time I was there it had been re-modeled and was looking pretty good. Or, maybe I was comparing it to some of the annoying malls in Bay Area. I met Eric Dickerson in this mall, about a thousand years ago...another lifetime. read more

very ghetto mall ! it is turning into a flea arket in my opinion. This mall is more for men because of the shoe stores and mens clothing stores. Stores are closing down left and right and they even have a church in the mall smh. If you see me there it is only to buy my son some jordans or something from kids footlocker ! food court is wack and they are rude here too. dont look for customer service skills here because they dont have it ! go to castleton, circle city or greenwood mall especially if you are a female! read more

I go here for a myriad of reasons, but it is always clean and uncrowded. It has a great organic store for skin, hair and scents. It's great for running shoe shopping; gym shoes in general. read more

If i could have, i would have given it 0 stars. Lafayette Square was once a great place to shop. I live on the Northwest side and must go to Castleton Mall to shop for anything. It is now a skelton of what it used to be. There was Pennys, Ayres, Lazarus, Blocks, Sears as anchor stores. Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, MCL cafeteria, AFNB bank....yes inside the mall, a tuxedo shop, movie theater, once again inside the mall, Wendys, GC Murphys, Bakers Shoes, Burts shoes, Tom McCann shoes.....just to name a few. It is a nightmare now. No recognizable stores except a filthy Burlington. Even as it started to deteriorate, there was a McDonalds, Charlie Steak, Dots ice cream, Cinnabon and a brand name Pizza restaurant......now all gone except for the nasty Charlie Steak. It doesn't even look clean. The mall is nothing but knock-off items, fake gold jewelry at outrageous prices for fake items, a discount store called Shoppers World which has household items at reasonable prices. Safety is also very questionable.If nothing is done to remodel the place and invite name retailers back to the It needs to PERMANENTLY CLOSE read more

This cultural hub located the greater Indianapolis area celebrates diversity and eccentricity. At the center of the borough, is Lafayette Square Mall--internationally known and recognizable by its unique aesthetics. The multitude of boutiques and attractions that surround the area make this a popular spot for young fashionistas, artists and fellow bohemians. read more

You know the old saying you can't judge a book by its cover. Well that is exactly what I am saying about Lafayette Square. If you look at it from the outside you may be somewhat disappointed, but when you go in you will be surprised. The inside of the mall is beautiful, and there are plenty of nice stores in there, such as Burlington Coat Factory, Shopper's World, Foot Locker ( Women and Kids), Champs, Finish Line, Ashley Stewart, Harold Penner, Rainbow, Simply Fashions, and food court. This mall still has plenty of hope. If people invest more in their local mall instead of spending their money in other areas which they do not live this mall would be thriving. Lafayette Square once was and will be again the number one mall in Indianapolis. It is really a nice mall go see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. read more