Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Southdale Center Christmas Shopping


Edina, Minnesota - circa 1950s

It's Christmas time at Southdale Center Mall! The Garden Court (including Woolworth, Buttreys, and the other stores visible here) is all aglow, literally, and decked out in its festive finest, transforming the mall into a magical 1950s holiday shopping wonderland! From Southdale's website:
"Architect Victor Gruen believed the key to Southdale's advanced concept in shopping center planning was the block long, three-storied indoor plaza: the Garden Court.

Everywhere shoppers looked they encountered eye-catching features: brightly plumed song birds, art objects, decorative lighting, fountains, tropical plants, trees and flowers. The physical environment was thought to quicken the human impulse to mingle, and create an atmosphere of leisure, excitement and intimacy similar to a European market square."
Mall history: 1956 - present
Architect: Victor Gruen
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Resource articles: 1, 2, 3, 4
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

(Images courtesy of Southdale Center)



6 Comments:

Blogger Scott Parsons said...

Now THAT'S a retro Xmas tree!
There is something to be said about the statement "The physical environment was thought to quicken the human impulse to mingle." If I saw that mall at that time, I'd be quick to say "it's a beautiful tree" to the stranger next to me. However, with today's big-box power centers, I just get the finger from the jacka*s in the parking lot.
Scott

Wed Dec 06, 01:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow. Utterly beautiful...the best pic I've seen on here. Ever. Wow. Amazing...I can't believe the comment field isn't full!

Sat Dec 09, 11:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree, Cole.

Sun Dec 10, 06:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How pretty, it kinda looks like Cherry Hill mall in a way

I miss the old brown wood interior malls...it was so comforting and cozy. Now most have that garish white turquoise decor that i despise...so cheesy 80's looking. A couple that i frequent now in my area Ocean COunty, NJ have gone back to the brownish dark looking decor...epsecially Simon owned Ocean COunty mall...and Monmouth mall...which should really have a photo submitted displaying thier ancient stair case that has been their since the 70's i beleive.

Wed Feb 07, 05:55:00 PM  
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