DEAD MALL - security told to stop filming - Arnot Mall - Big Flats/Horseheads, NY

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The Arnot Mall, located in Big Flats, New York (between Elmira and Corning), has served as the central retail and social hub for New York's Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions for nearly six decades. 
Early Beginnings (1967–1979)
Opening: The complex opened in 1967 under the simple name "The Mall". It was developed by Arnot Realty, a prominent local real estate firm in Chemung County. 
Initial Layout: The original single-level center featured approximately 40 inline stores and was initially anchored by JCPenney and Elmira-based department store Iszard's. 
The 1980 Expansion & Peak Years
Major Growth: In 1980, the mall underwent a massive expansion project, adding several new concourse wings. This expanded the floor plan to over 1 million square feet and bumped the storefront capacity to more than 100 retailers. 
Anchor Lineup: The expansion introduced three new anchor spaces: Sears, Hess's, and discount department store Bradlees. 
Entertainment Hub: A second-level food court was constructed along with a multi-screen cinema (now a 10-screen Regal Cinemas), making it the premier regional shopping destination. 
Retail Transitions (1990s–2000s)
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, brand consolidations led to notable anchor shifts:
Iszard's became McCurdy's before converting into The Bon-Ton. 
Hess's was acquired and converted to Kaufmann's in 1995, which was subsequently rebranded as Macy's in 2006. 
Bradlees shuttered during the chain's liquidation, with Burlington Coat Factory taking over the space in 2006. 
Shifts, Anchor Losses, and Ownership Changes
Departures: Macy's closed its doors in 2016. The Bon-Ton relocated into the former Macy's space in 2017 but liquidated nationwide shortly after in 2018. Sears closed its long-standing location in 2020. 
Burlington Move: Burlington relocated out of the mall into a nearby power center in mid-2026, leaving JCPenney as the sole remaining traditional department store anchor. 
Ownership Change: After nearly 60 years of family ownership by Arnot Realty, the mall was sold in August 2026 to Kohan Retail Investment Group for $7.3 million. 
Current Status
To adapt to changing retail landscapes, the mall has increasingly relied on non-traditional tenants, community events, leisure facilities (including a Planet Fitness and event space), and regional dining to maintain foot traffic alongside traditional mall staples.

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