With such close proximity -and with such similar names- it's no wonder that the Western Hills hubs were often confused with one another. WESTERN HILLS PLAZA opened in 1954 and is still in existence. The strip center is often referred to as WESTERN HILLS MALL. WESTERN WOODS MALL (which actually was a mall) opened in 1963. It had a destiny date with a wrecking ball in 1998.

The first phase of WESTERN WOODS MALL (in black) consisted of Shillito's, Gallaher (later Gray) Drug and a Thriftway supermarket. These were completed in 1963. A 120,000 square foot second phase (in dark gray) was dedicated in December 1966. The fully-realized mall now housed approximately 320,000 leasable square feet and contained twenty stores. Its parking area could accommodate 1,400 autos.

WESTERN WOODS MALL TENANTS 1967:

SHILLITO'S (with Patio Grill restaurant) / GRAY DRUG (with luncheonette) / THRIFTWAY supermarket / W.T. GRANT (with luncheonette) / Baker's Qualicraft Shoes / Barracini Candy / Dolly Madison Beauty Salon / Economy Savings & Loan / First Ohio Savings Association / Getz Jewelers / Hershel York, Optometrist / Mall Realtors / Mary Lester Fabrics / Paul Harris ladies' wear / Richman Brothers men's wear / Stuarts ladies' ready-to-wear / The Gift House / Thom McAn Shoes / Western Woods Barber Shop / Western Woods Cinema (single-screen)   

The complex was expanded twice. The first project, in the late '70s, brought a new Thriftway. The second, in the late '80s, enlarged the old Grants / Penney's space to accommodate a Zayre discount mart. By this time, WESTERN WOODS was facing competition from several newer and larger retail hubs. By 1996, the 30-year-old mall was in a downward spiral from which it would never escape.