Introduction:
Most all of us urban explorers have done things in our lives that would garner a response such as “That is so stupid.” Well… I don’t really care, because the adrenaline rush from navigating these abandoned spaces is just too fun; plus, it turns into often-times rare photos/video for all of my die-hard Dad Blog followers. Join me, as I take you through a genuinely terrifying, ripped apart Dillard’s that has since bit the dust.
Information:
Nestled at the corner of Glenway Avenue and Parkcrest Lane in Cincinnati, Ohio sits West Town Centre (‘”re” ooh fancy), a run-of-the-mill semi-suburban plaza. A block east on Glenway, you’ll find the still bustling Western Hills Plaza. Unfortunately, there’s not really much information to dive into with West Town Centre. The plaza was seemingly built during the 1960s, and now hosts The Home Depot, a KOI Auto Parts, and a CubeSmart Self Storage (formerly Dillard’s.)
Tour:
March 13, 2021 | Cincinnati, OH
Over five years have passed since I visited this deserted Dillard’s, but you know what they say, better late than never. Though the site has transformed since, I’m very excited to share this postmortem experience with all of you here now in 2026. Let’s check it out.
Exterior:
West Town Centre Sign with “Dillard’s” fading. 
Wide view from parking lot. 
Corner view. 
Label scar. 
Beautiful mid century modern (Dodger Stadium-esque) zig-zag roof at entrance. 
Closer Entrance view. 
Closeup view of other entrance. 
Rusted away beams. 
Underneath look at zig-zag roof 
Wondering if this Dillard’s used to be a Macy’s or some other department store. Pictured here is the Macy’s at the now-demolished Tri-County Mall. 
Corner of store. 
Backside/Delivery zone. 
Either this was being used as a dump site, or someone found a quiet place to rest. 
There was one security guard at the entrance, and he honked me off the premises. 
Shattered. 
Overgrown. 
Off-roaders paradise? 
Trash in lot. 
4-way street lamp in parking lot. 
Rusted out street light.
The forgotten about exterior just foreshadows to a nightmare-fuel interior. Though there was no visible mold or severe water damage (from what I can recall) the real fear in here was how easy I managed to get in… A cracked door right alongside one of the entrances. That said, I documented as quick as I could. Each corner I went around was a little frightening to say the least. Without further ado, the wrecked innards of a clearance Dillard’s.
Interior:
Employee entry point. 
“Dress for success!” 
Left from entry hall. 
Thought I might need that. 
I should have taken this home with me. 
“Come on in!” 
Door to storage room and retail floor. 
Storage room. 
Outdated wiring system. 
The creme de la creme of abandoned escalators. Ehh maybe not, that title likely belongs to Rolling Acres Mall (Akron, OH). Still awesome though, wish I had gone upstairs. 
Not sure if demolition plans stopped or if someone came in how I did and tore the place apart. 
So much to choose from! 
I hope liminal spaces don’t scare you. 
A look at the rafters and glorious can lights. 
A surprisingly intact and beautiful mural on one of the back walls.
Lastly, the one video I took while frantically running around the first floor.
Conclusion:
I wish I was able to find more information on this particular store, and the site as a whole but I’m so glad I checked it out when I did before it became just another storage facility. This was one of the scarier experiences I’ve had exploring dead and dying retail as most places I go to are open, but empty malls. Overall, a heck of a thrill that I don’t recommend for the faint of heart.
Mall Maniac Rating:
Well it’s just a department store but we’ll roll with it.
Shopping: 0/10 – Didn’t see many clothes.
Architecture: 9/10 – Don’t have many complaints.
Overall exploration rating: 10/10 – Truly epic.
Stay posted! More to come from the Mall Maniac’s backlog!
Dad Blog 