The store ultimately closed in 2001 and was later converted to office space, with Montgomery Ward's free-standing auto center converted to an art gallery that relocated from inside the mall and later would become a restaurant and daycare. The subsequent bankruptcy of Montgomery Ward in 2000 also dealt the project a final blow. The mall was demolished and an 18-screen Regal Cinemas was added along with a Courtyard by Marriott hotel however, plans for the big box retailers and other shops never materialized. Plans were announced in 1997 to raze the mall, with the exception of the still operating Montgomery Ward, and replace it with a number of big box retailers connected to the existing Montgomery Ward and surrounded by a few smaller shops. The mall never recovered from these moves and most specialty stores ultimately left the mall. Other special guests included World War II soldier Mark Clark, football player Rosey Grier, and Claude Akins.Ĭhanging economic conditions spurred by the closure of the nearby Charleston Naval Base prompted anchor JCPenney to relocate to the larger Northwoods Mall in the early 1990s followed by the exit of Service Merchandise. Television celebrity Ed McMahon led the festivities, complete with American Revolutionary War-era costumes. The mall opened with great fanfare in 1976 with a Charlestonian bi-centennial theme. In addition to the mall's anchors, the shopping complex also featured approximately 75 specialty stores and a General Cinemas. The Wilson's chain was later sold to Service Merchandise. The mall's tenants included original anchors Montgomery Ward, JCPenney and Edward's, a local department store which would later be sold to Kuhn's-Big K and renamed 'Big K-Edwards.' Big K-Edwards closed and Wilson's Catalog Showrooms moved into the space.

It was most noted for its large 'town square' style clock and children's train ride during Christmas time. North Charleston, South Carolina, United Statesģ2★2′38″N 80☀′41″W / 32.87722°N 80.01139°W / 32.87722 -80.01139Ĭharles Towne Square was an indoor shopping mall located in North Charleston, South Carolina opened in 1976 by developer Melvin Simon & Associates. Shopping mall in South Carolina, United States Charles Towne Square

Gaslight square north charleston