One of America's first fully-enclosed, suburban shopping malls was built on the outskirts of Omaha's downtown district. THE CENTER was officially dedicated in October 1955.
Graphic from Wiebe Enterprises
The compact complex covered 200,000 leasable square feet, housed twenty-six stores and twenty-nine offices. Free parking was provided for 1,600 autos. THE CENTER was anchored by the first shopping center branch of Iowa's Younkers chain.
Drawing from Younker Brothers, Incorporated
Drawing from Younker Brothers, Incorporated
In a 1955 plan, the 1st Level is depicted. There were three main retail floors, a 4th Level of offices and 5th Level penthouse. This eventually housed a bowling alley, restaurant and cocktail bar. The core shopping center is surrounded by a 3-level parking garage. Entrances to all three decks are made possible by the incline of the site. It slopes downward from east to west (or from South 40th Street over to South 42nd Street).
THE CENTER TENANTS 1955:
1st LEVEL
BIG CHIEF center market / HESTED STORES VARIETY CORNER / Anthony's Liquors / Anthony's Panther Room cocktail lounge / Carl S. Baum Druggist / Kimbal Launderers & Dry Cleaners / Mode O' Day Frock Shop / Omar Retail Shop bakery / Reed's Ice Cream & Snack Shop / The Center Barber Shop
2nd LEVEL
YOUNKERS First Floor Store / Brain's Stores (hobby, sporting goods, toys, gifts & stationery) / Cook Paint & Varnish / J. Warner Studios Photography / Lollipop Lane children's wear / The Center Bank / The Center Coffee Shop / The Center Loan & Investment Company
3rd LEVEL
YOUNKERS Second Floor Store / Baker's Qualicraft Shoes / Calandra Camera Stores / J. S. Lerner's Vogue ladies' wear / Thom McAn Shoes / National Shirt Shops / Spectator ladies' wear
4th LEVEL
YOUNKERS Balcony (with Appliance Store, Book Store and Beauty Salon) / Clifford L. Smith, Medical Doctor / Henry L. Dworak, Medical Doctor / J.A. Lyons, Doctor of Dental Science / Lyle Q. Hills, Attorney At Law / The Center, Incorporated
5th LEVEL
The Center Roof Garden Restaurant
