Crossgates Mall is built on the Pine
Bush Preserve, which is a unique ecosystem. It hosts at least 73 endangered
or protected plants, and, ironically, survives by being set on fire.
("controlled burns").The fires rejuvenate the plants, driving
out exotic species, and increase food and habitat for insects and
animals native to the Pine Bush. The Pine Bush is one of the last
"homes" for the rare Karner Blue butterfly, which feeds
on the wild blue lupine plant that grows there.
Though many people appreciate Crossgates
Mall and its trade and entertainment service to this area, other people
felt that to build a mall on this location was not appropriate. The
community itself was divided about this issue, because even though
the mall would bring commerce to the area, it would also bring traffic
congestion and the need for additional services, such as fire and
police. It would also decrease pinebush land. There was also concern
that if the mall was built, people would want to build homes on pinebush
land. After intense debate, the Pyramid Crossgates Company was given
the go-ahead to construct Crossgates Mall.
The Mall is located at the junction
of I-90, the Northway, and Route 20. It was built in 1984 by The Pyramid
Crossgates Company. It is one of the largest shopping centers in the
Northeast with 1.6 million square feet and 230 stores. It also contains
20 eateries, 30 movie screens, 8 anchor stores, and 7,200 parking
spaces. In the year 2000, 24 million people visited Crossgates Mall,
from areas as far away as Lake George, Johnstown, Kingston, and Western
Massachusetts.
This
is an aerial view of Crossgates Mall and Crossgates Commons which
shows where the mall is in relation to local roads and landmarks.
Picture courtesy of Pyramid Crossgates.
This
photograph, taken in 1994, shows Crossgates during the construction
of its addition. Note that the triangular decoration, which helps identify
one of the main entrances of Crossgates, is being constructed in this
picture. Picture courtesy of Pyramid Crossgates.
This is one of the entrances to the
Pine Bush Preserve. Notice the sign which provides detailed information
about the wildlife and plants of the preserve.
