Oakland Mall

Troy, Michigan - March, 1976

The glorious original Oakland Mall main entrance! Well, it's glorious looking to your eyes if you grew up with this mall like I did. If you didn't, just trust me, this is really cool to see. :)

In '76 I was still being carted to this mall (just a couple miles from my house then) by mom and dad, but in a few years I'd be old enough to at least be able to get dropped off and left there (which was key!) with my friends, to hang out, look at record albums, buy frozen cokes, and flirt with girls--though not necessarily in that order.

So yeah, I sat around that main entrance there (inside and out) having a lot of youthful fun, many a day and evening, as a teen. And those were certainly the days, as well as some great memories.

Mall history: 1968 - present
Current website: here
Info from Wikipedia
Current aerial view
Previous entries: 1

(Image courtesy and © Wayne State University)

Retro Retail Video - "Buying Food"

Buying Food (1950)

Here's a vintage educational short to watch before you head out to the supermarket next time. Take notes, and beware that impulse buying!

This was originally produced by the Centron Corporation, for Young America Films, and is a home management guide to sensible food shopping. At least, it was all supposed to be sensible back then anyway. Whether or not the strategies still are today, is up to you to decide.

Basically it's the kind of creaky old 16mm film we used to fall asleep to (while we drooled on our desks) in school. But heck, if you can manage to stay awake now, it actually still has some handy tips that, it turns out, are really pretty timeless.

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

International Malls: Garden City Shopping Centre

Mount Gravatt, Queensland - August, 1972

This amazingly groovy photo (are we at Disneyland?) is the parking lot and main entrance at the (Westfield owned) Garden City Shopping Centre, in Australia.

I don't mind doing a little occasional globetrotting when it leads me to beauties like this! Even the sky looks cool. And just look at that entrance design, too! Now that's just good stuff.

Chapin Company Shopping Center

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - circa 1960s

Another great sign! This is a 1960s view of the Chapin Company Shopping Center, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was a small shopping plaza (not an enclosed mall, I don't believe) that was based around a Chapin store, which you see situated front and center in this photo.

I guess this place is now pretty obscure (aka forgotten?), as I could find nothing about it online to share here--not even on the Chapin Company website, where they list a stable of shopping malls and plazas under their management and development (all in the Myrtle Beach area), but have nothing regarding this specific one (unless the name's been changed and it is there). I really don't even know if it's still standing today.

So while this little center's history shall remain a mystery (yes, that rhymes and I'm cool) for the time being, it really doesn't matter, because I still dig this great shot and wanted to see how it would look up on the wall here anyway.

Developer: Burroughs & Chapin Company
Previous entries: none

International Malls: Broadmarsh Shopping Centre

Nottingham, England - circa 1972

Swank was certainly still in style in the '70s--if you knew where to look. Appears to be alive and well here at the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, in Nottingham, England! Quite a unique look they had going, as witnessed by this vintage interior shot.

I love the juxtaposition of the cool floor design and avocado facing on the second floor, along with the modernistic ceiling and beautifully tiled pillars! All pretty darn snazzy if you ask me. This mall (which opened in 1972) is Westfield owned these days (of course).

Vintage JCPenney TV commercial

JCPenney TV commercial (1985)

It's time for the JCPenney Bassett Bedding Bonanza! If you happen to be looking for both bedding and a bonanza, all at the same time, you're in luck! JCPenney has you covered.

This is a cheesy old Penney's commercial that, according to the YouTube uploader, was recorded Memorial Day weekend of 1985. And in '85, these were some pretty slick and cutting edge TV ad graphics, let me tell you! The sound effects are quite amazing too. :D

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

Big Town Mall

Mesquite, Texas - circa 1960s

I think they were taking a picture of a beautiful sky and the shopping mall got in the way, hehe. But trust me, that is Big Town Mall out there, I swear.

Composition aside, I'm actually hoping to get a better quality version of this postcard down the road. When I do I'll repost a much better shot.

Mall history: 1959 - 2006 (dead)
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4
Previous entries: 1

Alpena Shopping Center

Alpena, Michigan - circa 1963

A quaint little shopping center plaza (not an enclosed mall) in Alpena, Michigan. Besides it just plain looking nice, I'm really posting this one for that great, beautiful star-topped sign! Classic era piece of signage for sure.

I also dig seeing an old Cunningham Drug Store here, too. Remember those well growing up in Michigan back in the good old days. Our family was always running over there for some Towne Club (or Faygo) soda or something (like we do CVS or Walgreen's nowadays). But man, I miss Cunningham's.

Previous entries: 1

Inland Center Mall

San Bernardino, California - 1970's

I've always thought this mall had a unique looking layout from the air, and what's neat is that it's basically still the same today (aside from the addition of a Robinsons-May store wing (which has now become Macy's).

Mall history: 1966 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Previous entries: 1, 2

King of Prussia Plaza

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania - circa 1960s

Grand old exterior postcard view of the King of Prussia Plaza. The caption on back reads:

"Scene along the South Walk of the Mall of the Flags where the colorful flags of each of the 50 states are displayed daily. This is one of the Nation's largest regional shopping centers, located near historic Valley Forge, at the junction of Routes 202 and 23, adjacent to the Schuylkill Expressway and the Pennsylvania Turnpike."

Mall history: 1963 - present
Developer: Kravco Co. (now Kravco Simon)
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3

Vintage Paris Airport Shopping Commercial

Paris Airport Shopping commercial (1971)

Here's another vintage commercial that really doesn't have a lot to do with anything I guess (though it is about shopping), but I just like its ambiance so I'm posting it here (like this one). Best of all, it uses a Bee Gees song!

Anyway, this is a 1971 French TV commercial (so I have no idea what they're saying) touting the rich and varied shopping opportunities at the Paris Airport. Truly a shopping experience for the Jet set!

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

Mission Valley Center

San Diego, California - 1961

Mission Valley Center aerial taken at the time of the mall's opening, looking here toward the Montgomery Ward anchor store. Compare this photo with the current aerial below, to see all the growth in ensuing years--not only with the mall itself, but also the surrounding area. Boy have things changed!

Mall history: 1961 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1

Mid-Island Plaza (now Broadway Mall)

Hicksville, New York - 1957

Mid-Island Plaza (later renamed Broadway Mall) on Long Island, in New York, started out as an open-air shopping center, as you can see by these early photos (which aren't the best quality, but were at least available), and then was finally enclosed in 1968, and renamed Broadway Mall, at some point ('68?).

This place certainly has a long and rich history, which even includes a visit from Richard Nixon, during the Presidential Campaign of 1960 (here's the speech he gave there that day). Here's a bit of early history from their current, Broadway Mall site:

"Mid-Island initially consisted of 10 buildings, including two supermarkets, and 8,000 parking spaces. It was dominated by Gertz department store, now Stern's, housed in a five-story, 300,000 square-foot building. An underground tunnel allowed trucks to make deliveries directly to mall shops. During atomic bomb drills in the 1950s and 1960s, the tunnel also was used for civilian defense."

There's a lot more info at their website, as well as the resource links below.

Mall history: 1956 - present
Current website: here (now Broadway Mall)
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2,
Previous entries: none

(Images courtesy The Library of Congress)

Belknap Mall

Belmont, New Hampshire - circa 1970s

Here's another mall not covered here yet. The Belknap Mall, the lone enclosed mall in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The above photo (which I believe dates to the '70s) was taken before a late '80s expansion, which added a Zayre store to the back end. Dead Malls has a short history page if you'd like to know more (they're apparently calling it dead).

Though I list the mall's history going to the present (for the place is still there), it appears it's currently got a lot of vacancies and/or non-retail tenants filling its floorspace, so it's not exactly a thriving, fully-functioning shopping mall right now.

Mall history: 1973 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Previous entries: none

Vintage Ben Franklin dimestore ads

I've mentioned here before my nostalgic digging of these old dimestores I frequented a lot with my mom when I was a kid, so in light of that, here are some more old Ben Franklin dimestore ads for your own shopping nostalgia convienience. Enjoy these low, low prices! :)

January, 1977

May, 1977

August, 1977

Previous entries: 1, 2, 3

(Images courtesy of benfranklinstores.com)

Southland Mall

Hayward, California - circa 1960s

By request (this is the only one I currently have, Dean), here's an aerial postcard shot of Southland Mall back in the '60s (or Southland Shopping Center, as it was called in its early years).

Sadly, comments about this mall's current state are sure not very kind online (see resource link #4 below for just one example I came across). Sounds a little rough these days. It's just plain sad that so many once-great, vibrant, family-friendly shopping malls eventually come to this, where a family can't even feel safe going there anymore (if what people are saying online is true). Be nice to turn back the clock, wouldn't it?

Mall history: 1964 - present
Architect: John Graham & Company
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4
Previous entries: none

Southdale Center Mall

Edina, Minnesota - circa 1956

Stunning photos of Southdale Center being readied for its upcoming grand opening in 1956! Look closely, you can see a paint can literally sitting there on the stairway in the first photo, as well as workers toiling in the unfinished storefronts, and a few boxes and whatnot lying around.

What a rare glimpse into this amazing, classic mall's development and early beauty. I thank Southdale Center very much for making these available for our study and enjoyment!

Mall history: 1956 - present
Architect: Victor Gruen
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

(Images courtesy of Southdale Center)

Retro Retail Video: Sears Freeze-In

Freeze-In (1969)

Um... Wow. This vintage Sears training film is pretty dang goofy, lol! I mean, really. But, once again, you just gotta dig the cheesy, groovy vibe of it all--not to mention all the crazy colors, music, and clothes!

Here's the video description: "Made for Sears appliance salesmen, this film tries to capitalize on the zany format of TV's Laugh-In, to introduce the new Kenmore freezer campaign. Even though the film features two of the stars from Laugh-In - Arte Johnson and Judy Carne - it is clear that the director of this ephemeral gem missed the point."

And thank god, he did, I say! Enjoy. :D

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

Willowbrook Mall

Wayne, New Jersey - 1973

The swinging and slightly gaudy (but-in-a-good-way) Willowbrook Mall interior in 19 and 73. If you grew up in the '70s and this kind of reminds you of your basement, too, raise your hand.

Mall history: 1969 - present
Current website: here
Info from Wikipedia
Current aerial view
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3

Northway Mall

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - '60s or '70s

Vintage era shot of Isaly's, inside Northway Mall (now called the rather unwieldy, Shoppes at Northway). But this photo's definitely all about that beautiful, retrolicious multi-colored facade inlay wall deal--which reminds me of the totally cool one in the Brady Bunch house!

Mall history: 1962 - present
Current website: here
Info from Wikipedia
Current aerial view
Previous entries: 1, 2

(photo courtesy The Shoppes at Northway)

Bay Fair Shopping Center

San Leandro, California - circa 1960s

Wish I had a better version of this postcard, but at the present, I don't. At any rate, here's another mall I haven't covered yet, so that's always cool: the Bay Fair Shopping Center (as it was originally named), which was renamed "Bayfair Center" in 2004. I also see it referred to as just Bayfair Mall, too, so take your pick.

Anyway, in this old shot, aside from the large Woolworth's store in the middle, I can't quite make out the names of the other ones, though it looks like the store on the far right says something "King" (Drug King?), but I'm really not sure.

Mall history: 1957 - present
Developer: R.H. Macy & Co., Inc.
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Resource articles: 1
Previous entries: none

Hilldale Shopping Center

Madison, WI - 1960's

From Wikipedia: "Hilldale Shopping Center, also known simply as Hilldale, is a partially enclosed shopping mall in Madison, Wisconsin. Hilldale has two anchor stores, Macy's and Sentry Foods, and over 50 specialty stores. Hilldale was recently acquired by Joseph Freed and Associates LLC and is currently undergoing a major redevelopment/expansion.

The mall opened on October 25, 1962 with a Gimbels anchor store. In 1986 the Gimbels was converted to a Marshall Field's and was renamed Macy's in 2006. Hilldale underwent its first expansion in 1969, then again in 1985, and was renovated in 1997. Hilldale is currently being extensively renovated and expanded, with the first phases to be completed in 2006."

Mall history: 1962 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Previous entries: none

Mall Memories: Northridge Fashion Center

Northridge, California - circa 1970s

MOA reader, Don Fields, sent in this wonderful Northridge Fashion Center postcard, along with his own youthful memories of the place. I thought I'd share not only the great photo, but also (with his permission) his fun reminiscing too.

"Dear Keith,

Many months ago, while looking for any web sites on old 60s & 70s malls, I bumped into yours and, needless to say, was bowled over by your collection, knowledge and enthusiasm for this topic. So many old and uniquely designed palaces you have managed to mined that haunted my childhood and dreams.

Being a former mall rat myself (mid 70's to the very early 80's) and to show appreciation for what you've been doing for us rats, I'm sending you the following postcard for consideration for your web site. It's an old 'card of the older Northridge Fashion Center in Northridge, CA.

During 1977/78, I lived in Northridge and my favorite weekend place to hang out and away from the San Fernando Valley heat was this mall that first opened in 1973 [most online sources point to '71 --Keith]. I still love the place because the architecture and interior was heavily 70's influenced and was lit not too brightly which was good as that Valley sun would beat down on ya like a baseball bat.

The center had your usual flagship dept. stores, but with their own designed courtyards in front; Sears was standard but JCPenny had a small forest, Bullocks had a circular and more "mod" setting & Broadway had the largest and highest one. Bullocks was quite unique all by itself, one of the design features was a central mirrored escalator area with lighted streaks. It may not seem much, but to a bored Valley kid, stepping on that Bullock escalator was like stepping into a Star Wars set.

I heard from someone on the LottaLiving message board that when the place first opened, they had bean-bags instead of the usual rest chairs. Guess THAT didn't last too long. Anyways, the mall didn't have a "food court" as many of the food stands were scattered, but they did had a couple of restaurants surrounding the 3 screen movie theatre where I saw flicks like 'Fire Sale', 'Saturn 3' (first of many late 70's weird sci-fi flicks, thanks Lucas?!), 'The Goodbye Girl' and the last two Bad News Bears.

Even though I moved out of the Valley, I used to take the occasional trip back and visit this old friend of mine.

As you know it was seriously damaged during the 1989 earthquake and has gone through total remodeling and looks nowhere near the old self anymore. I have been to interesting malls like Del Amo Fashion Center, MetroCenter (in Phoenix, AZ), Fox Hills Mall, Ports O' Call and a couple more Valley ones before I grew out of malls in general and all, but this place will forever be permanently stuck into my consciousness like a bad habit.

I don't know if there are any other old pics of the older place, but imagine my delight when I bumped into this postcard while on business in 1988. Noting your extensive collection, you may or may not have this one, but I'm tossing this to ya anyways. Thanks for the site and I look forward to seeing more parts of retail that I can tolerate.

Don Fields (aka "Don-O" on you comment area)"

Thanks again Don! And if anyone else out there would like to, feel free to write up a paragraph or two (or whatever) of your own favorite mall memories and e-mail them to me. I just may feature them right here on the blog for everyone to enjoy! Doesn't have to be anything fancy or "professional" (I'll spellcheck and all for you), and you don't have to include a mall photo, as I can usually provide one if you don't have it. This blog is at its grooviest when it's interactive, so feel free to interact! :)

Mall history: 1971 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Resource articles: 1, 2
Previous entries: none

International Malls: Simpsons Court at Sherway Gardens

Toronto, Ontario, Canada - 1972

Welcome to the psychedelic '70s... Canadian style! Many thanks to Jason Cawood, for submitting this groovy photo of the Simpsons (now defunct) storefront in the Simpsons Court section of a shopping mall in Toronto (which exact one wasn't specified).

Yes, this blog is called, Malls of America, but heck, I like to add a little spice to the mix now and then--especially when it's this tasty! Besides, America, Canada, Zimbabwe, Mars...who cares? In the end, the mall's really the thing. I like looking at them wherever they're from. :)

Edit: This photo was taken in the Sherway Gardens shopping centre in Toronto. I've updated the title to reflect this.

Vintage Retail Video: Match Your Mood

Match Your Mood (1968)

Vintage Jam Handy promotional film for Westinghouse refrigerators, with some very cool and groovy '60s home interior shots and mod clothes! Not a shopping mall in sight, but man, it has that weird retro retail vibe that just reminds me of my childhood for some deep, purely emotional reason.

Here's the description from Archive.org: "Promotional film for Westinghouse refrigerator line featuring a system of sticker-like decorations enabling purchasers to style their appliances as they choose. Vague hippie-type flower-power graphics; scenes of mod-dressed middle-class conventional people."

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

Southdale Center Mall

Edina, Minnesota - circa 1956

Early exterior color photograph taken from Southdale's parking lot (dubbed the "Alligator Lot") outside Dayton's and the Woolworth store.

Mall history: 1956 - present
Architect: Victor Gruen
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

(Image courtesy of Southdale Center)

University Mall

Blacksburg, Virginia - November 18, 1976

University Mall interior photo. The original image I found in Virginia Tech's archive, was actually so dark you couldn't even see 90% of what you see above, before I lightened it up. Now the layers are peeled back and, hey, there's actually a shopping mall under there! Way down at the end you can just make out a Woolco anchor store, too. Wonder why they don't have a website (University Mall)? None I could find anyway.

Mall history: 1974 - present
Current website: n/a
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4
Previous entries: none

(Photo credit: VT ImageBase (http://imagebase.lib.vt.edu/), housed and operated by Digital Library and Archives, University Libraries; scanning by Digital Imaging, Learning Technologies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.)

Consuming Women (Women as Consumers)

"Consuming Women (Women as Consumers)" (1967)

Weird little 1967 public domain industrial film, Produced by the Handy (Jam) Organization.

This one, to quote the original description from Archive.org, is a "strange, highly generalized portrait of the American woman consumer." And that's exactly what it is. Hard to believe they used to make these films, and take them seriously back then, lol. But then, those were much, much different times, as was the social consciousness.

Still, these are sure fun (if not a little painful sometimes) to watch nowadays, and the retro kitsch value is certainly always running very high in them! :D

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

International Malls: Bower Place Mall

Red Deer, Alberta, Canada - circa 1961

The Hudson's Bay Company store (now just The Bay) at the Bower Place Mall (aka Bower Place Shopping Centre), Central Alberta's largest shopping destination. Bower Place is currently in Phase 3 of a multi-year "significant functional and cosmetic redevelopment".

This particular Hudson's Bay store depicted above, opened on August 28th, 1961. As for the mall itself, does anyone out there know exactly what year the Bower Place Shopping Centre originally opened? Either way, thanks to Jason Tribiger, for another great submission here!

Mall history: ? - present
Current website: here
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: none

Northland Center Mall

Southfield, Michigan - circa 1950s

View of Northland Center Mall's Fountain Court. The Bird's eye view at the aerial link below is really quite nice.

Mall history: 1954 - present
Architect: Victor Gruen
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Southdale Center Mall

Edina, Minnesota - 1956

Welcome to the Kiddie Korral children's center, at Southdale Mall! Yes, while you're off shopping, Mom & Dad, why not leave the little ones right here, at the all new and exciting Southdale Kiddie Korral!

There are plenty of fun toys and games to enjoy in the spacious and colorful play areas, as well as fascinating live animals your youngsters can view and study, including birds and monkeys, housed in our unique and safe animal viewing cages! It's a fun-filled adventure your kids are always sure to love (while you finish your shopping), when they visit the happy land that is, the Southdale Kiddie Korral!

Mall history: 1956 - present
Architect: Victor Gruen
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4

(Images courtesy of Southdale Center)

Mays Department Stores Commercial

Mays Department Stores - 1978

Another vintage Mays store (NY) TV commercial, this fun one is a Pre-Washington's Birthday sale spot. I just never get tired of these.

Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4

Note: Video is Flash format. If you don't see it, you must temporarily disable your ad-blocking programs.

Southlake Mall

Merrillville, Indiana - circa 1970s

Here's a beautiful postcard image of the Southlake Mall (Westfield thinks it's called, Westfield Southlake, now) interior court area, complete with a really cool looking terraced fountain arrangement, encircling a central golden sculpture piece. I have no idea how the place actually looks today, as it's been heavily renovated in recent years, like most malls. Back of postcard reads:

"Southlake Mall - Located at Merrillville, Indiana, this most modern shopping center offers the finest in outstanding shops and services amid ultra-modern decor and convenience."

Thanks very much to David, for this great submission!

Mall history: 1970s - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Resource articles: 1, 2
Previous entries: none

Los Cerritos Center

Cerritos, California - circa 1980s

Nice interior shot of the Los Cerritos Center mall in the '80s (not sure on the exact year). Here's a good history of the mall from the official website:

"Los Cerritos Center has served as a shopping icon for Southeast Los Angeles and Orange Counties for over thirty years. The history of Los Cerritos dates back to September, 1971 with the Phase I opening of the area from Broadway (currently Macy’s) to Orbach’s (currently Mervyn’s). Phase II followed in 1972 with the opening of the area from Orbach’s to Sears. In 1981, Phase III went into effect with the opening of Nordstrom and it’s adjoining wing. In November, 1993 Phase IV was completed when the Palm Court Cafes debuted in the Center with 14 eateries, showcasing a wide variety of foods sure to fulfill any appetite.

The most recent transformation, Phase V, occurred in 1994 with the renovation of the Center. At this time, skylights were added to take advantage of the Southern California sunshine, and marble and stone were added to the inside walkways, along with new benches and interior landscaping. At the same time, a unique 'clustering' concept was put into place as each wing of the Los Cerritos Center received a name, a defining design criteria, as well as a specific tenant focus. The Garden, located between Mervyn’s and Sears, took on a family and entertainment oriented theme showcasing such stores as Picture People, EB Games and The Disney Store. The Grand Hall, located between Nordstrom and California Pizza Kitchen, took on a fashion theme featuring Ann Taylor, Guess?, GAP, GAP Kids, and Banana Republic. The Avenue, beginning at Macy’s and ending at entrance to Grand Hall , was geared towards merchandise for the whole family. In this wing, shoppers can find a variety of stores ranging from Express Men and Hot Topic, to Whitehall Jewelers, New York & Company and the Limited.

Today, Los Cerritos Center ranks as one of the leading southern California shopping centers offering four major department stores: Mervyn’s California, Macy*s, Nordstrom, and Sears. The center features over 180 specialty shops, the Palm Court Cafés, several sit-down restaurants, and the 11-screen United Artists Theatres."

Mall history: 1971 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1

(Original photo--I touched it up slightly--courtesy of Southern California Malls)

Westgate Shopping Center

Asheville, North Carolina - late '50s early '60s

Westgate seems to be one of those quaint little shopping centers that time forgot (even though it's still there). Not much about it online anywhere, aside from only a few passing mentions, and they don't appear to maintain a website either. Granted it isn't really an enclosed shopping mall (I don't think), but rather, a strip mall center, but still, I had hoped to find more about it.

At any rate, the surviving vintage era photos of it are dynamite, if you ask me! Especially the one above--though unfortunately I don't have a really good version of it yet. We'll just have to live with this rather low quality one for now. But it still looks nice in this great early evening shot, quality notwithstanding.


Asheville, North Carolina - circa 1959

Aerial view showing Westgate's nifty location along I-240, next to the French Broad River, looking in roughly the same direction as the first photo.

Mall history: 1950s(?) - present
Current website: n/a
Current aerial view
Previous entries: none