Indy: Indoor Theme Park Part of Mall Revival Plan

[The Interpreter]

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/18266492/detail.html

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9509502

[DropZone99]

That made me so mad yesterday! I saw previews saying "A local Indianapolis mall will recieve several thrill rides and become the only indoor amusement park in Indiana." I got all excited and then it was just Xscape! There isn't even a Python Pit or Minor Mike... And why Lafayette Square Mall?! That's on 38th. Street which isn't the best part of town (the ghetto.) I wouldn't be surprised if it gets robbed, shot up, a murder happens, and the place is forced to close by 2010!

[Reclaimer]

It's that attitude that has caused that side of town to turn into what it has been in recent years. The city is trying hard to revitalize the area. Yes, it's not the most wonderful part of town but it really needs some TLC and people to give it a chance and within a few years, I'd expect the west side to turn itself around and back into the lively shopping/family area it once was. Part of that revitalization needs to include changing public perception.

[XGatorHead 8904]

From http://www.theindychannel.com/news/18266492/detail.html:

"The creator behind all of this is actually the individual who created Universal Studios in Orlando, Epcot Center and Six Flags," said Allison Clark, of Xscape.

From http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9509502:

"He's the designer behind Universal Studios, Epcot, and Six Flags. He has the concept, and he knows how it works, and that in itself speaks volumes," said Amanda Royalty, Xscape spokesperson.

So one person is responsible for designing all of Universal Studios, Epcot and all the Six Flags parks??? I'd really love to meet this genius!!! And here I've been thinking all these years that hundreds, possibly thousands of people contributed to the creation of these places. And to think it took Allison Clark and Amanda Royalty from this little family fun center to show me the truth.

What ignorant comments made by these two, to discredit the work of all the creative minds behind these places.

I know Universal, Epcot and Six Flags; Universal, Epcot and Six Flags are friends of mine. Xscape, you're no Universal, Epcot or Six Flags.

[RailRider]

Just a few thoughts. This coming from someone who has visited Indy a few times, mainly for weekend getaways.

This looks like nothing more than a Dave&Busters or GameWorks and its funny they dont mention this so called mastermind who designed Universal, Epcot and SixFlags by name. Why not?

Secondly when I have come to Indy to go shopping we always head towards Castleton Square, Clay Terrace, or the Fashion Mall at Keyston, occasionaly downtown to Circle Center. Why would I as a visitor choose to go to Layfette Square? Trust me Im not taking my family there anytime soon.

I wouldnt expect this to last to long.

[CoastersRZ]

As with so many things in the real estate and retail world, it all comes down to one important fact. Location, location, LOCATION!''

Look at Cincinnati Mills mall, which was formerly Forest Fair Mall, has struggled for years, in part due to its location. Wonderpark used to be located inside of that mall, but closed because of lack of business. (I`m sure the bad publicity from the employee scandal didn`t help them much).

However, Krazy City at Tri County Mall is almost a year old and so far seems to be doing alright. Again, it is all about location, as Tri County Mall is in an ideal location where scores of shoppers frequent.

With these small indoor amusement parks/family entertainment centers, the philosophy of "build it and they will come" does not necessarily ring true as it does for indoor water park resorts. And if Xscape is anything like Krazy City, it alone will not be able to attract people to a mall that is in a shady part of town. It can certainly attract to the appeal of the mall, but the mall will need other amenities that could be marketed to overcome a poor location.

[Reclaimer]

I will say that the timing of this wanting to "re-establish" the west side of town is pretty bad...Not that they could have planned for the economy to tank the way it has. But going along with the above comment, it is going to take more than one attraction inside a mall to get people back to that area. This is a step, but it's a small one, and one that needs some support, and soon, but again, with the economy, that will be tough.

[tigellinus]

I never got why Cinci Mills was so close to Tri County??

Kenwood is the better mall anyway!!

[XGatorHead 8904]

^Not only is it 4 miles from Tri-County, but on the other side it's only about 6 miles to Northgate, both of which were established malls well before Forest Fair came along.

[Coney Islander]

This reminds me of Family Fun Center- a giant place that used to be on the east side of Cincinnati. It had bumper cars, batting cages, pool table, hundreds and hundreds of arcade games, ticket games, a giant padded play area, and good prices. It closed due to bad location.

[CoastersRZ]

No, that is not the reason why the Great Time Family Fun Center in Eastgate closed. Location was not the reason that it closed (at least not that I`m aware), as it was located only a couple blocks away from both Interstate 275 and State Route 32. Not to mention that it was located right across the street from Eastgate Mall. I`ve heard several stories as to why they closed, including water damage from a water line break to the owners wanting to get out of the business. By all accounts, that place was always busy when I was there. Now that building has been converted back to the original intended use of that building: offices and warehouse space.

[Guest rcfreak339]

The Oxmoor Center and St.Mattews mall in Louisville are right next to each other....just a little one lane road seperating each one, but form what Ive seen the Oxmoor Mall can not compete with the St.Mattews Mall

[Gordon Bombay]

No, that is not the reason why the Great Time Family Fun Center in Eastgate closed. Location was not the reason that it closed (at least not that I`m aware), as it was located only a couple blocks away from both Interstate 275 and State Route 32. Not to mention that it was located right across the street from Eastgate Mall. I`ve heard several stories as to why they closed, including water damage from a water line break to the owners wanting to get out of the business. By all accounts, that place was always busy when I was there. Now that building has been converted back to the original intended use of that building: offices and warehouse space.

Is the golf mountain and go kart track still there?

[CoastersRZ]

Yep, Eastgate Adventure Golf and Go Karts are still open (well, not right now they aren`t, because they are a seasonal attraction, just like KI). Talk about a fun little place, with a very visible location, but actually getting there is somewhat off the beaten path.

[westcoaster]

Indoor amusement parks done well is in Edmenton Canada , and the park I love is MOA park inside the MOA...that is great, another one I love is Circus Circus,,,,Indoor parks done right!!!

But here in cincy I think with Kings Island People in general expect too much from indoor attractions:

i for one thought crazy city, even the old forest fair mall took away the winter blues....

Great wolf does the best.

I mean really 2 indoor merry go rounds one at the florence and the other at east gate are never crowded....Heck eastgate is charging 2.00 to ride a train that use to be free (similar downtown for kids)..

The retailers and the malls give nothing for free any more....

Good luck to Indy....

but maybe we could build a couple rides off the carew tower and then the mall would be overnight transformed downtown cincinnati to a shopping meca...If you learn one thing a few amusements may not draw a crowd...Look at La$ Vega$ it did not work there, and many attractions are being removed........

We shall see, whats in the future for the amusement parks for the indoorsLLL

[CoastersNSich]

I never got why Cinci Mills was so close to Tri County??

Kenwood is the better mall anyway!!

Cincinnati Mills, originally and for long known as Forest Fair Mall, was built by an Australian developer who wanted to bring in higher-end stores to those living in Cincinnati's northern suburbs. Of course, don't forget that it was sandwiched between two well-established malls, Northgate (1972) to the west on Colerain Rd., and of course, Tri-County (1960) to the east. How are those malls doing? Not too bad, I guess. When this mall was built in the late 80's, it had to have been part of a lot of speculation that went on. And the conversion of the open-air Kenwood Plaza to the enclosed Kenwood Towne Centre of today didn't exactly help. With the premier stores in the Cincinnati area, a new Crate & Barrel, and a Nordstrom coming next year, Kenwood is having a good laugh.

Within a year or two, many of the high-end stores left Forest Fair, simply because they were too high-end for people in the era, who were already going to Tri-County or Northgate. Several anchors and shops held on, and the mall tried some new schemes, but overall no one really lasted too long. There was also a big indoor amusement center, Time-Out on the Court, which had a carousel, miniature golf, bumper cars, kiddie rides, and even a ferris wheel. And a trip to Forest Fair was not complete without the sights and sounds of the golfball contraption. Then around 2002-03, the Mills bought it and renovated the mall, renaming it Cincinnati Mills. The mall reopened in 2004 with great fanfare, but it neither would hold too long, with many of the stores bailing out after too long. bigg's closed its 20-year operation there this summer, and Steve & Barry's is going out of business.

I say they redevelop most of it and put a mixed-use development in its place.

[Gamz]

Just a few thoughts. This coming from someone who has visited Indy a few times, mainly for weekend getaways.

This looks like nothing more than a Dave&Busters or GameWorks and its funny they dont mention this so called mastermind who designed Universal, Epcot and SixFlags by name. Why not?

Secondly when I have come to Indy to go shopping we always head towards Castleton Square, Clay Terrace, or the Fashion Mall at Keyston, occasionaly downtown to Circle Center. Why would I as a visitor choose to go to Layfette Square? Trust me Im not taking my family there anytime soon.

I wouldnt expect this to last to long.

The gentlemen's name is Peter Alexander and he was the main designer and builder for Universal. He now owns a company called Totally Fun Company out of Tampa. Look at his web site. I have been to the facility and that area is on the rebound for sure. As far as the facility, there is nothing like it in the midwest. Very nice and I took my family there. Last night there was a shooting at Washington Square so the violence has moved to the east side. Dont knock it to you try it. It is no KI but very nice and entertaining for an Indoor space. Food was very good also.

[tigellinus]

^^Are you Amanda??

[RailRider]

Wow, can you say damage control. Why do I have a feeling we will never see or hear from Gamz again?

There was a shooting, but not at Layfette Square that night, so because of that all the violene has moved? Thats amazing it happend over night.

Funny you go from designing Theme Park attractions to FEC's? Go where the market is I guess.

Good luck Amanda and I hope it is successful for you, but I wouldn't count on it.

Hey Tiggey maybe we can get together, meet up with Amanda err Gamz and go visit Xscape. Ill bring the kevlar if you wana bring the nickles...

[The Interpreter]

And now we will all join in singing one of Terpy's favorite philosophical songs:

"It's a small world, after all....

It's a small, small world!"

[RailRider]

Terpy would you like to join us for our expedition?

[The Interpreter]

To Xscape? Hmmm, I've been on great adventures...I've even been to Coney Island NY by myself at 2a.m. Scariest of all, I've been to Six Flags Elitch Gardens (for that is what it was at the time, and I have never been so fearful...ever). And no, that wasn't very smart! I might well join y'all. Or not.

Time will tell. . .

Terpy, speaking with tongue only slightly in cheek (besides, Fishers is more my speed)

[RailRider]

Yes Fishers is more my speed as well but maybe we should Xscape for an adventure, after all Amanda err Gamz says we shouldn't knock it till we try it. Then again does that same logic apply to land mines? I dont like them, but I have never tried one? Hmmm, time to philosophize and reflect on such things.

[XGatorHead 8904]

I noticed Gamz said that Peter Alexander was the main designer and builder for Universal... so what of his relationship with Epcot and Six Flags? I would still like to know, was he the mastermind behind all of these parks too, as was previously stated? I'm not asking because I doubt his abilities, just questioning the statement previously given to the newspapers by Gamz... er, Amanda Royalty and Allison Clark.

I, for one, will leave the xscaping to you, Railrider. Be safe!

And since Amanda... er, Gamz didn't provide the link to the website she wanted us to check out: http://www.totallyfuncompany.com/

OK, so he was the Director of Project Management for Epcot...I'll give them that. But as for being THE creator behind Six Flags as Amanda and Allison stated, he's listed in his bio as Executive Producer for the chain, producing the shows there. But then last year there were the dvd's...

[The Interpreter]

Being as much of Six Flags is made up of parks that were acquired from others (like Great Adventure, Great America, Magic Mountain), I highly doubt ANY individual can be designated as having designed the Six Flags parks. In fact, it isn't even true that Peter Alexander was the chief designer for Islands of Adventure or any other UA park. The media notices on his own website don't include anything of the kind. Rather, this statement appears in one of them:

...Peter Alexander, Universal's vice president for rides and shows, helped design many of the attractions that will be within the Orlando park and has visited many of the vendors. ..

That's a far cry from what has been claimed here...

[IBEW_Sparky]

I will definitely give a +1 in agreement to the fact this is going to crash and burn. Im sorry, but simply driving anywhere within a 2 square mile radius of LFS Mall will convinve the "tourists" that Xscape is attempting to attract that they have made a less than wise or desireable choice of attractions to visit. A big RIGHT ON to Terpy in the respect that I too am MUCH more suited to Fishers, Carmel, or Avon.

[The Interpreter]

Sears liquidating, Macy*s closed in preparation for liquidation,

Mall Continues To Struggle To Survive (includes Xscape):

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9654155

[DropZone99]

Sears liquidating, Macy*s closed in preparation for liquidation,

Mall Continues To Struggle To Survive (includes Xscape):

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9654155

What a surprise!

[IBEW_Sparky]

Yeah no kidding... BIG suprise there. I also Love how the mall spokesperson says "Heres the thing, its a great mall." Suuuuuuuuuure, if you want to go there before sundown, and if you wish to be constantly thinking about the risk of walking out to a broken into or stolen car the whole time you are shopping. So, anyone for a slightly used indoor go-kart track at KI for those rainy or chilly early or late season days?? LOL

[The Interpreter]

Yeah, it's pretty bad when SHE says:

..."People are running around saying, 'You shouldn't go to that mall because undesirables hang out there', this and that," said Lafayette Square Area President Mary Clark. "But here's the thing. It's a great mall."...

There is no "but here's the thing." Location, location, location. Very few are willing to sacrifice their personal safety to go shopping. There are better choices.