Horror Fans Gather for Zombie-Themed Farewell at Closing New York Mall
Horror enthusiasts and local residents gathered at the former Saks Fifth Avenue mall in Long Island City on Saturday for a final event celebrating the site’s transformation into a mixed-use development, according to a statement from the mall’s parent company, Brookfield Properties. The event, organized by the New York Film Academy, featured a screening of the 2004 zombie film *Dawn of the Dead* and a live performance by a local theater group reenacting scenes from the movie, as reported by *The New York Times*. The mall, which closed in 2020, is set to be redeveloped into a residential and commercial complex by 2025.
What Was the Event’s Purpose?
The event, titled “Zombie Night at the Mall,” was designed to honor the building’s history as a cultural hub and provide closure for longtime visitors, according to a press release from the New York Film Academy. “This event bridges the past and future of the space,” said program director Laura Martinez. “It’s a way to celebrate the stories this mall has hosted, from fashion shows to film screenings.” The film screening was free to the public, with attendees required to register through the academy’s website.
How Did the Community React?
Local residents described the event as a bittersweet farewell. “It’s sad to see the mall go, but it’s nice to have a final memory,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Queens resident who attended the screening. “I used to come here for holiday shopping and concerts.” The event also drew filmmakers and students, who used the space to stage a live zombie-themed performance. A spokesperson for Brookfield Properties noted that the redevelopment project includes plans for green spaces and retail areas, though specific details remain under negotiation.
Why Does This Event Matter?
The event reflects a growing trend of repurposing closed retail spaces into cultural or community venues, a shift accelerated by the rise of e-commerce. Similar initiatives have been seen in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where former malls have been converted into co-working spaces, libraries, and event halls. According to a 2023 report by the Urban Land Institute, over 20% of U.S. malls are expected to undergo redevelopment by 2030. The Long Island City event highlights the role of community input in shaping these transitions, with organizers emphasizing collaboration with local artists and historians.
What’s Next for the Site?
Brookfield Properties has not yet announced a timeline for construction, but a recent filing with the New York City Department of Buildings indicates preliminary work could begin as early as 2024. The redevelopment plan includes 400 residential units, a 150,000-square-foot office space, and a 10-acre public park. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We aim to create a sustainable, vibrant community that respects the area’s heritage while meeting modern needs.”