Fairview Heights' St. Clair Square


An aerial view from the mid-1970s shows the St. Clair County, Illinois shopping venue in its original state...or near to it. The initial mall was anchored by just Famous-Barr (on the far left) and Sears. By the time of this photo, a J.C. Penney has been added.
Photo from The Belleville News-Democrat / Jeff Lightburn


Famous-Barr opened in October 1973. It would be Famous' fourth -and final- "rotunda store". This design had also been used for the SOUTH COUNTY, NORTHWEST PLAZA and WEST COUNTY stores. Meier & Frank (another May Department Stores subsidiary) built an additional rotunda store at VALLEY RIVER CENTER, in Eugene, Oregon.
Photo from https://www.builtstlouis.net


On the inside looking out. The Famous-Barr at ST. CLAIR SQUARE was the chain's first Illinois store.
Photo from https://www.builtstlouis.net