Pulling into the mall, it's easy to see it was built in the late 70s or early 80s. Much of the external architecture retains the original austere brick walls, landscaped with trees sectioned off in square brick planter areas, as visible in the White Oaks Mall signed entrance below.
Inside, we find a very well appointed two-level mall, probably redecorated sometime in the early 1990s. The atmosphere of this mall is very vibrant, though there are a few dead stores. A large carousel stands in the middle, and a children's play area near Sears on the lower level makes this mall a nice place to shop with children in tow. The lighting is very strong except in dead areas, and the skylights add plenty of natural lighting as well. For dining, there's a small food court including a Charley's Subs (a favorite of mine in the St Louis area), Subway and a couple others. Also, there's an unusual free-standing Panda Express outbuilding, and several other casual dining restaurants are nearby.
The mall includes most of the standards for clothing, such as American Eagle Outfitters, GAP, old 1970s standard Buckle, Aeropostale, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Other stores include the ubiquitous Game Stop, Dick's Sporting Goods, a Hallmark store, Spencer Gifts, Claire's, and many more.
In short, this is a beautiful little mall located in a great shopping area. If you're going past Springfield and feel the need to shop, this is definitely the place to go!
Pros: Most of the standard stores, great area for shopping
Cons: Small food court, A little off the beaten path for non-Springfield natives.
I give White Oaks Mall 4 Kiosks.
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