West Park Mall

I had mixed feelings while exploring this small local mall in Cape Girardeau, MO. On the one hand, it reminded me a lot of the malls of my midwestern youth. On the other hand, this IS a small local mall. It can't compete to the larger malls of urban and suburban areas. There appears to be a food court, for example, yet the only place to eat is a lonely China Star, and there is seating for approximately 30.



The mall has three wings off a central hub (where said "food court" is located, in addition to the now common bungee jumping toys) and still decked out with a lot of what is probably original 80s design (though it could also be 80s refit of a 70s mall). There is ample light treatment, though the overall lighting effect is dim, as is common for malls of this design.

When it comes to stores, this mall is actually pretty packed. Many of the required staples are here. There's a Victoria's Secret, a Claire's, and Game Stop, an American Eagle Outfitter, and anchors JC Penney and Macy's. There's also a quite adequately sized Barnes and Nobel. Food choices are VERY limited in the mall, though there are many nearby choices, including a Texas Roadhouse and Steak &
Shake. Other nearby stores include a Target, a Sears, and Toys R Us.

The mall is easily accessed via highway 55, about 100 miles south of the St Louis area. It's not right off the highway, but can be found less than a mile east of 55 on Highway K. For those traveling on 55 from St Louis toward Memphis or vice versa, it can be a welcome shopping break on a long trip. It's not worth a special trip out of the way, either for shopping or aesthetic purposes.

Pluses: Availability of most commonly expected mall stores, lots of restaurants and other shopping nearby.

Minuses: Lack of a proper food court

I give West Park Mall 3.5 kiosks