Have you been to the Oakdale Commons formerly the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City lately? On Tuesday, I went to the mall to get my twice-yearly haircut. Is it a coincidence that Tuesday is when they have their $14 haircut special? Probably not.

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On the way in (and you can't miss it) is the construction project that's taking place at the front of the mall. Macy's former home is being turned into the largest store that Dick's Sporting Goods has every built.

Dick's Sporting Goods Coming To The Oakdale Commons

The "House of Sport" will be a two-floor facility with a turf field outside during the spring and summer and a ice rink in the winter. I can't wait to see the finished product but that's just of the beginning for the Mall/Commons.

So when I went in to get my haircut, the hairdresser and I began talking about the Commons/Mall. She was very excited with all the changes that are happening because it will mean more business for her.

She did an excellent job on my haircut by the way.

Glenn Pitcher
Glenn Pitcher
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She remarked that she had heard that the Mall used to be THE place to go at one time. I told her that she was right and that there used to be an arcade across the hall from them called "Aladdin's Castle. I would drive from Warren Center with my friends and we spend an evening playing arcade games and pinball.

Right next door to the hair salon, used to be a movie theater and now it's used as a huge storage area. I told her that it's been gone a long time and I think it was one of the first businesses to leave the mall.

New Additions To The Oakdale Commons

After that we started chatting about some of the new additions that are already at the mall. Beer Tree started it all when they occupied the former Sears store with Factory by Beer Tree Brew.

Recently, the Lourdes Health & Fitness opened next door and we can't forget about Johnny Moose at Xcite Wrestling and the XCITExhibition Hall. They have called the Mall/Commons home for almost 10 years.

The good news is they aren't done as the mall will continue its transformation as Chipotle and Panera Bread will become residents very soon. There are more announcements coming and I've heard rumors...but I will keep them to myself. BE.

They didn't ask me, but here are the five things that I wouldn't mind seeing at the new Oakdale Commons. In no particular order...except for the first one.

5 Businesses At The New Oakdale Commons

Here are some other restaurants that I wouldn't mind seeing at the Oakdale Commons or anywhere else in the Southern Tier.

5 Restaurants That The Southern Tier Needs

Businesses That Would Bring People To The Oakdale Mall

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