Ben Schumin

Former Montgomery Ward store space in Staunton Mall. This store was a Focus Montgomery Ward store, only carrying furniture and electronics departments sections. Wards closed here with the rest of the company in the early 2000s. The space's current appearance owes a lot to its time as Steve & Barry's University Sportswear from 2004 to 2008. Steve & Barry's did a partial buildout of the space, putting a new wood floor over the original tiled floor, and their own shelving on the walls over the original walls. The ceiling was original to Wards. The space never saw another tenant after Steve & Barry's vacated in 2008 with the demise of that company, and by 2020, the building smelled strongly of mold, likely caused by water intrusion through the roof. This mold was strong enough that it was also detectable when standing in the mall near the entrance to the store.

More at The Schumin Web:
www.schuminweb.com/life-and-times/staunton-mall-part-1/

Ben Schumin is a professional photographer who captures the intricacies of daily life. This image is all rights reserved. Contact me directly for licensing information.