'World's largest mall' in Ohio turned into rubble

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Once billed as the world's largest mall, Randall Park Mall was turned into perhaps the world's biggest pile of rock and rubble. Crews took heavy equipment to the shopping complex to make way for an industrial park.

The mall, located on the outskirts of Cleveland, opened in 1976 as the world's largest mall, a title that was short-lived with the subsequent explosion of retail shopping center construction. Developer Edward J. DeBartolo had great plans for the mall, including shops, offices and apartments. At first, the anchor stores included Sears and JCPenney. Over the years,others moved in.

Like other shopping complexes, the beginning of the end started with the economic crisis in the 2000s. The mall changed hands, security lapsed and prominent stores started moving out. By 2009, this once vibrant and thriving shopping complex was closed, stripped down to the bare bones .

Developers purchased much of the property through foreclosure proceedings and land deals, with plans to refurbish one small section into industrial buildings. The rest will continue to be turned into rubble.

For many, the demise of the mall was a sad moment, best expressed on Twitter.