What’s Left In The Lawton Central Plaza?

I remember my very first actual date. Almost fifteen years ago, I remember grabbing our popcorn and tickets in the center of the movie theater area at what was once known as the Central Mall in Lawton. He and I handed over our tickets and went down the hall to the movie theater to watch Prince of Persia: Sands of Time.

The Central Mall was place where I received my first tattoo, where I had numerous visits with my siblings while we endured fostercare and countless photos were taken in the booths scattered throughout the building.

After the news of Claire's closing, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane. After spending less than a half an hour to cruise through the entire building, it broke my heart. So many memories and good times just... gone. Now, it just looks like a shell of the place it used to be.

Despite what most people have heard recently, FISTA isn't pushing anyone out.

At least, that's what some of the vendors have mentioned.

At the end of the day, many of the businesses who've always been in the Central Mall, now known as the Central Plaza, have found better success elsewhere or closed up shop altogether.

@rudapu This is so sad the Chik was the heart and soul of central mall 💔 #fyp #lawton #deadmall #chickfila #saveourchik ♬ original sound - Rudapu

But there are still a few lifers that aren't going anywhere, like JCPenney's and Journeys. I can also say that there are still a few entertaining spots for the very few teens and young adults that happened to be there with us when we visited.

And might I just say - it seems like there were so many massage chairs, there could've been one for every person in the building. I love that they've still kept the classic playground area over the years, even leaving some of the original toys.

@mommyrealtor01 A great FREE thing to do in Lawton Oklahoma #580 #thingstodooklahoma #lawtonoklahoma #lawtonfortsill #fortsilloklahoma #thingstodowithkids ♬ Let's Do This - Outskrts

The signs for FISTA coming 2025 are still up and it doesn't seem like there's been much of a change with that project. I hope that one day, some of those empty spots come back to life and the place livens up, but I think we all know how likely it is.

For now, there are still a few stores trying to make their ends meet and waiting for visitors to wander through their doors.