Austin, Texas, August 5, 2025
News Summary
The once-vibrant Northcross Mall in Austin, Texas, serves as a nostalgic gathering spot for locals long after its demolition. Recently featured in an HBO docuseries, its legacy, intertwined with the tragic Yogurt Shop Murders, continues to evoke fond memories for many Austinites. From birthday parties to ice skating, the memories of Northcross Mall illustrate its significance in the community, even amid the developments and changes over the years.
Nostalgic Memories Resurface as Austin’s Northcross Mall Is Remembered Decades After Its Demolition
Austin, Texas—The Northcross Mall, once a vibrant hub on West Anderson Lane, opened its doors in 1975 but was demolished in the mid-2000s. Its closure marked the end of an era that many former visitors recall fondly, as it served as a crucial gathering place for young people in the community. The recent resurgence of nostalgia is fueled by the mall’s inclusion in an HBO docuseries on the 1991 “Yogurt Shop Murders,” which occurred just blocks away from where the mall used to stand.
The Northcross Mall was known for its family-friendly amenities, including a food court, an ice skating rink, and diverse entertainment options. Many lifelong Austinites reminisce about birthday parties celebrated at the food court and countless afternoons spent ice skating with friends. Today, most of the mall’s former space is occupied by a Walmart and an extensive parking lot, with a few remnants of its previous life still existing.
Years ago, a dedicated Reddit thread was created where locals could share their cherished memories associated with Northcross Mall. Commonly recalled memories include enjoyable meals at Cozzoli’s Pizza and time spent with friends in what was once a thriving community space. Additionally, Doug Tash, a former visitor of the mall, produced a short documentary titled “Mall Man” to honor the experiences etched in the local culture surrounding Northcross Mall. Tash views the mall as a significant haven for the youth in Austin, describing it as a central location where friendships blossomed.
The changes to Northcross Mall’s landscape began dramatically in 2009 when reports highlighted that the mall had effectively been split in half. The Chaparral Ice rink and the Norris Conference Center were established on one side, while plans for a Walmart were set for the other. By 2011, the Walmart opened its doors, joining Chaparral Ice and the Norris Conference Center as the main attractions in the area, along with businesses like Anytime Fitness and Guitar Center.
The situation was further complicated by the tragic events surrounding the “Yogurt Shop Murders” on December 6, 1991. In a horrific incident, four teenage girls—Amy Ayers, Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, and Eliza Thomas—were murdered in a yogurt shop, with the site later set ablaze. This unsolved case has drawn national attention and remains an active investigation, leading to numerous theories and suspects being identified over the years.
The recent docuseries “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” directed by Margaret Brown, delves into the haunting case through interviews with family members and law enforcement personnel, highlighting the ongoing quest for justice. Though law enforcement initially believed the murders to be a botched robbery, they still lack the physical evidence to firmly connect any suspects with the crime. Family members of the victims continue to commemorate their loved ones and express the lasting emotional toll of this tragedy.
Current Landscape of Northcross Mall
- Location: West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas
- Original Opening: 1975
- Demolished: Mid-2000s
- Current Occupants: Walmart, Chaparral Ice, Norris Conference Center, Anytime Fitness, Guitar Center
Background of the Yogurt Shop Murders
- Date of Incident: December 6, 1991
- Victims: Four teenage girls
- Status: Unsolved, with various suspects considered over the years
- Recent Coverage: HBO docuseries exploring the case
FAQs
What was Northcross Mall known for?
Northcross Mall was famous for its food court, ice skating rink, and various entertainment options that attracted many young visitors.
When did Northcross Mall close?
The mall was demolished in the mid-2000s, transforming the area into a Walmart and other commercial establishments.
What tragic event is linked to the area near Northcross Mall?
The 1991 “Yogurt Shop Murders,” which involved the deaths of four teenage girls, occurred just blocks away from the mall.
Are there any remnants of Northcross Mall left today?
The former mall’s space is mainly occupied by a Walmart and some remaining facilities like Chaparral Ice and the Norris Conference Center.
What is the current status of the Yogurt Shop Murders case?
The case remains unsolved, with ongoing investigations and renewed interest due to recent media coverage.
Key Features of Northcross Mall and Yogurt Shop Murders
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Year | 1975 |
| Demolition Year | Mid-2000s |
| Main Attractions | Food court, ice skating rink, entertainment options |
| Current Occupants | Walmart, Chaparral Ice, Norris Conference Center |
| Incident | Yogurt Shop Murders |
| Victims | Four teenage girls |
| Status of Case | Unsolved |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin Northcross Mall
- Wikipedia: Northcross Mall
- TIME: Yogurt Shop Murders True Story HBO
- Google Search: Yogurt Shop Murders
- Statesman: Confession in Yogurt Shop Murders
- Google Scholar: Yogurt Shop Murders
- Austin Chronicle: Northcross Mall’s Future
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Northcross Mall
- KXAN: Chaparral Ice Bankruptcy Court
- Google News: Chaparral Ice Bankruptcy
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
