I'm not sure I can say enough good things about this mall. Undoubtedly part of an urban revitalization, this mall (unlike the failed St Louis Centre) is a stunning success!
Reaching the mall is a relatively complicated task, if you're not parking there. I was already parked on a downtown street, having driving south from our hotel near 92nd street down Meridian. I wandered the street for a few minutes trying to find the La Bamba burritos at 111 S Meridian. Alas this was not to be; evidently it closed at some point in the not too distant past. After that, I wandered some more, looking for the main mall entrance. There are restaurants everywhere, as well as external store fronts, but I was looking for a main entrance. Instead, I found the parking garage, where some people from Nashville were kind enough to point me toward the mall entrance.
Once inside, I was immediately at home. Despite its distinctly urban setting, this place is all mall. Plenty of sky lighting lets in not only the sun, but visions of the urban jungle in whose heart it resides. Since my quest for a burrito had failed, I headed right to the food court, and it does not disappoint. Many of the old standards are here: a Chick-fil-a, a Subway, an A&W, and a Villa Italian Kitchen (which are beginning to replace the ubiquitous Sbarro in many malls). There's also a Johnny Rocket, a Japanese place called Maki, a Great Steak and Potato (at which I purchased a truly massive large fry) and many others. An Akoo station plays the latest and retro music videos, and Simon wifi is easily connected.
The architecture is classic white with black trim, with the common domed lighting treatments. Escalators are easy to find, and balconies give one a clear view of various levels to help you find the store you want. And wow, is there a large assortment of stores! All of the clothing standards are here, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Lane Bryant, Aeropstale, Banana Republic, Gap, H&M, Forever 21 and More. Anchors include Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott (thought all of these closed in the early 90s). Other stores include Hot Topic, GNC, Sungless Hut, Nine West, Aldo and Gamestop.
I could gush on about this mall for a while, but my main point is that this is not only a shopping center, it's a destination. If you're in Indianapolis, you've got to come see it.
Pluses: Huge variety and quantity of stores, great food court, beautiful urban feel and wifi.
Minuses: May be slightly confusing to get to, depending on where you're coming from.
I give Circle Centre Mall 5 out of 5 kiosks!
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