As work continues on a new housing development, following last year's demolition of almost half of the Cavendish Mall, here is some breaking news. Nearly 40 years after it first opened, the Cavendish "Mall" is about to disappear. No, the remaining stores, food court, movie theatres, offices and CLSC headquarters are not being evicted. There is a clever name change about to occur. Good bye Cavendish Mall and hello "Quartier" Cavendish.
This all makes a lot of sense. The "Mall" was operating on a half empty tank of gasoline for some time until our city council gave the go ahead for demolition and the new housing development. While construction is continuing, we can look forward to a very attractive residential neighbourhood and a shopping centre with no empty storefronts.
I grew up at the Mall, so to see the name disappear is kind of sad. It will take some time to get used to saying "Honey, I am going to the Quartier!" Memories of Eaton's, Warshaws, Discus, Canadian Tire, The Gap, Direct Film, Consumer Distributors, Steinberg's, Silverbergs, Kiddie Kobbler, Pumpernik's, the Cattleman and more are now dancing in my head.
Long live the Quartier!