Onlookers say goodbye as demolition begins at Cary Towne Center mall

Months after a permit was requested, demolition has finally begun at Cary Towne Center mall.

End of an era: Demolition permit requested for Cary Towne Center mall

Many have wondered when demolition would officially begin – and, aside from Epic Games HQ, what the future of the space looks like.

The rezoning request included a preliminary proposal for 2.7 million square feet designated for office use, with 75,000 square feet for commercial use and 200 hotel rooms.

Abandoned foundations, lost oaks: Exploring the history of Cary Towne Center

Several people stood outside the fence Friday, swapping stories from their years at the mall, in front of a large pile of debris.

One woman recalled the grand old oak tree that once stood in front of the mall.

Some shared memories of when Cousin's Pizza was still in the mall, or when the food court had the iconic 'pit' where students from Cary High School would sit and even smoke during their lunch hour.

Others remembered playing at the Time Out Arcade or riding on the carousel.

On the Facebook group Remembering Cary Towne Center, people shared even more memories.

Around the mall, crumbling remnants and foundations of peripheral buildings, like the old Taco Bell and Ragazzi's, can still be seen – providing a glimpse of the mall's near future. Soon, the space will have a new future with new memories.