As most locals know, Knoxville Center, originally known as East Towne Mall, “died” last year n January 2020. The latest news is that an Amazon distribution center will be going into that location, bringing same day delivery to us.

But the news reminded me of how back in 2015 I was contacted by the CBRE Group to go and photograph the mall. I was told that there was to be “discussion” about the future of the mall, hence why they needed the pictures - for “meetings” they said. I figured as much - Dillard’s had already closed by then and the stores that were left were not high end.

Sure enough, as I remember from that day, when I was working I was approached by shop owners:

“Are they selling the mall?”

“Are they going to close us up?”

“How long have we got?”

I could answer truthfully that I did not know what the end result would be, only who hired me and what I was told.

And that is why photography is important. No, not to help kill a mall but to document what once was and is no longer. Nothing is permanent, including us, and whether it is to spark a memory or to feed the interest that people take in what was, pictures provide that service.

So, rest in peace, Knoxville Center. I perhaps say I helped kill you with a degree of facetiousness but the fact is, by 2015 the writing was on the wall. And for those who remember it, enjoy some of my shots from that day. If you worked there or knew shop owners, feel free to pass along the pictures. It is a part of local history and while it is okay to feel sad, remember - nothing lasts forever.