Crossroads Mall Undergoing Renovation, Hopes To Bring Vitality To Current Eyesore

What was once the place to be in Oklahoma City, has become an eye sore and hot-spot for vandals over the last decade. Now, new ownership hopes to turn the Crossroads Mall into the place to be yet again. 

Inside, you’ll find one storefront in operation, Crossroads Antiques and Collectibles. Mike Ramsey, the owner, says he won’t be alone for long. 

From rare finds to priceless collectibles, Ramsey loves antiques. 

“Oh lord yes! It’s a rush, it’s a rush,” he says describing the feeling of finding that one-of-a-kind piece. 

It may be fitting that his store found a home inside the old Crossroads Mall. It’s a place some may consider an antique itself. 

“I had so many memories here with my kids,” Ramsey says. 

Much like the items he sells, he believes the story of this place isn’t over yet. 

“I’m ecstatic. I see a lot of possibilities here.” 

Ramsey said his was the last shop in operation on the property when an out of state buyer took over. His antiques were on display once a month in the old JC Penny. 

He convinced the new owner to lease him space on the inside. He will now be the first in a new vision. 

“I just want to enjoy my life,” he explains. “This is what I live for. I live for antiques and visiting people.” 

So far, he says nearly 15 businesses are set to join him. Including an event space in the old Dillard’s. 

“We came in and we looked at it and said wow there’s a lot of space in here,” says Wallace Lawrence the owner of Chronic Brands. 

He hopes to fill the space with artists, entertainment and parties. He hopes the 270,000 square foot ‘Crossroads Convention Center’ will become an event hub. 

“We’re just trying to push the rest button and breathe life back into it,” he says. 

The space is special to Lawrence, just as it is for Ramsey. 

Nostalgia can play a powerful role. It does for Mike when it comes to those rare finds and priceless collectibles. 

“I just remember my dad and what he meant to me,” he explains. “I’d like to carry it on. I just like the older stuff.” 

Future businesses hope that nostalgia will have a role to play yet in brick and mortar. 

Crossroads Antiques and Collectibles is currently open on the first and third weekends of each month. Ramsey plans to open 7 days a week when the mall becomes operational. 

Though there is much work to be done, Lawrence and Ramsey are hopeful the space will be open by the end of September.