The iconic Starcourt Mall, a pivotal setting in Stranger Things Season 3, wasn’t a figment of CGI imagination, but rather a real-life, though resurrected, retail space. The majority of the Starcourt scenes were filmed at the Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia, which was significantly renovated and redesigned to capture the vibrant, 1980s atmosphere depicted in the show.
The Resurrection of Gwinnett Place: From Decaying to Dazzling
Gwinnett Place Mall, once a bustling hub of commerce, had fallen into disrepair prior to its transformation into Starcourt. Production designers meticulously worked to restore the mall’s visual splendor, incorporating period-authentic decorations, store fronts, and signage. This involved not only recreating the look and feel of a typical 1985 mall, but also ensuring it fit seamlessly into the Stranger Things narrative. The transformation breathed new life into a forgotten space, turning it into a nostalgic centerpiece for the season’s gripping storyline.
The Core Transformation: Design Details & Challenges
The task of turning a largely vacant mall into Starcourt was a monumental undertaking. The production team meticulously researched 1980s mall designs, paying close attention to architectural details, color palettes, and the types of stores that would have been prevalent at the time. They encountered challenges in finding authentic materials and recreating the specific aesthetic of the era, but ultimately succeeded in creating a convincing and immersive environment. The food court, the ice cream parlor Scoops Ahoy, and other key locations were brought to life with painstaking detail.
Beyond Gwinnett Place: Additional Filming Locations
While Gwinnett Place Mall served as the primary filming location for Starcourt, other areas were also used to create the complete picture of Hawkins, Indiana. These locations helped build the world around the mall and added depth to the narrative.
Enriching the Hawkins Landscape: Supporting Locations
Filming also took place at various locations around Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs. These included residential streets, wooded areas, and other commercial properties that were used to depict the town of Hawkins and its environs. The Duffer Brothers aimed to create a visually consistent world, blending the reality of Georgia with the fantastical elements of the Stranger Things universe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Starcourt Mall
Here are some of the most common questions asked about the filming of the Starcourt Mall in Stranger Things Season 3:
FAQ 1: Is Starcourt Mall a real mall that I can visit?
While Gwinnett Place Mall is a real mall, its appearance in Season 3 was largely a temporary transformation. After filming concluded, much of the elaborate set design was removed. The mall has since seen some redevelopment, and while you can visit, it won’t look exactly like it did in the show.
FAQ 2: Where exactly is Gwinnett Place Mall located?
Gwinnett Place Mall is located in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb northeast of Atlanta. The address is 2100 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096.
FAQ 3: Did the actors actually film inside a real ice cream parlor for the Scoops Ahoy scenes?
Yes, the Scoops Ahoy scenes were filmed inside a real space at Gwinnett Place Mall. The set designers transformed the area into the ice cream parlor, complete with period-accurate decor and nautical themes.
FAQ 4: Were any other parts of Gwinnett County used as filming locations for Stranger Things?
Yes, beyond Gwinnett Place Mall, other locations in Gwinnett County and the broader Atlanta metropolitan area were used to film various scenes for Stranger Things, including residential areas and wooded landscapes.
FAQ 5: How long did it take to transform Gwinnett Place Mall into Starcourt Mall?
The transformation of Gwinnett Place Mall into Starcourt Mall took several months. The production team had to strip away the existing decor, build new storefronts, and add all the period-specific details that made the mall so visually compelling.
FAQ 6: What happened to all the props and set decorations from Starcourt Mall after filming wrapped?
After filming, many of the props and set decorations were either sold, auctioned off, or repurposed for other productions. Some items may have also been kept for archival purposes.
FAQ 7: Was Gwinnett Place Mall still operating as a fully functioning mall during filming?
No, Gwinnett Place Mall was largely vacant and struggling before filming began. This made it an ideal location for the Stranger Things production team, as they had greater control over the space and could easily transform it without disrupting existing businesses.
FAQ 8: Did the increased attention from Stranger Things revitalize Gwinnett Place Mall?
While the show generated significant interest in Gwinnett Place Mall, it didn’t lead to an immediate or complete revitalization. The mall has been undergoing redevelopment efforts, with plans for mixed-use spaces and a new vision for the property. However, the legacy of its role in Stranger Things remains.
FAQ 9: How did the production team recreate the 1980s aesthetic of the mall so authentically?
The production team conducted extensive research into 1980s mall designs. They consulted period photographs, advertisements, and even interviewed people who had worked in malls during that era. This meticulous research helped them recreate the authentic look and feel of a 1985 shopping center.
FAQ 10: Were any actual 1980s stores featured in the Starcourt Mall set?
While the stores weren’t necessarily actual branches that were still operational, the production team meticulously recreated popular 1980s stores like The Gap, Waldenbooks, and RadioShack, complete with authentic signage and merchandise.
FAQ 11: What was the biggest challenge the production team faced when transforming Gwinnett Place Mall?
One of the biggest challenges was the sheer scale of the project. Transforming a large, largely vacant mall into a bustling 1980s shopping center required a significant amount of time, resources, and manpower. They had to manage everything from construction and set design to prop sourcing and art direction.
FAQ 12: Can I take a guided tour of the Starcourt Mall filming locations?
Currently, there are no official guided tours of the Starcourt Mall filming locations inside Gwinnett Place Mall itself. However, independent tours focusing on various Stranger Things filming locations in the Atlanta area might occasionally be available. Always check with local tourism boards and tour operators for the most up-to-date information. Remember, many of the locations are private property and should be respected accordingly.