Nordstrom (former Lord & Taylor), Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior entrance, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Nordstrom (former Lord & Taylor), Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior view, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Nordstrom (former Lord & Taylor), Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Upper level mall entrance, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Interior views, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Belk (former Parisian), Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior entrance, December 31, 2008. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Belk (former Parisian), Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior entrance, December 31, 2008. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Note from Steve: This has been a controversial store for Belk to occupy, and I've read enough message boards to know that its existence can be a thorny subject among those with opinions about retail. I have intentionally suspended the user comments section of this post, and I will delete any and all discussion about this store and/or the Belk/Parisian merger as it relates to Atlanta, Nashville and Birmingham posted to the website. Thank you for understanding.

Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior entrance, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior sign, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Parking garage entrance, December 31, 2007. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)

Saks Fifth Avenue, Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, Georgia. Exterior view, December 31, 2008. (photo courtesy cantnot of Grocerying)