Just a little over 47 years ago, the Tri-Cities got their first full-fledged mall, Colonie Center. It was billed as the “INclosed Double Mall,” “located on the tree-studded site of historic Colonie Country Club.” I don’t recall that any trees were left once they were done building the mall, but maybe I’m wrong about that.
“Everything is ‘IN’ at Colonie Center. Within the modern 2-level, INclosed Mall, you will experience the complete comfort of ‘Controlled-Climate.’ The entire Mall is fully air-conditioned . . . ” Kids, if you didn’t grow up going to the movies just to get into some air conditioning, you may not be able to appreciate what this meant. Although as it was opening in November, it’s an odd lead message.
In addition to air conditioning, the mall had modern escalators, 6000 parking spaces (with no meters!), two full-line department stores, and, for its grand opening, strolling musicians and happy clowns.