In 1974, the retail hub is still open-air, but several modifications have been made. A new full-line J.C. Penney has opened its doors, with the local Myers Brothers chain assuming the original Penneys space. With these improvements, the mall houses approximately 609,300 leasable square feet.

WHITTWOOD CENTER TENANTS 1974:

THE BROADWAY (with Chafing Dish restaurant, Beauty Salon and freestanding Tire Center) / J.C. PENNEY (with Coffee Shop, Beauty Salon and freestanding Auto Center ) / MYERS / SAV-ON DRUG / DESMOND'S / VONS supermarket (outparcel) / W.T. GRANT / Alroe, Incorporated ladies' wear / Anita Shops ladies' wear / Bank of America (outparcel) / Beal's Furniture / Book Fair Stationers / C.H. Baker Shoes / Comar Children's Shoes / Conlin Brothers Sporting Goods / Craig Richard, Limited men's wear / Daniel's Jewelers / De Marc's Shoes / Docktor Pet Center / Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour (outparcel) / Gallenkamp Shoes / Guilotti Brothers optometrists / Helen's Wigs & Beauty Supply / House of Fabrics / House of Tailoring / Jacques & Victor Hair Stylists / Jolly Roger restaurant / Judy's Ladies Wear / Kusel's Food To Go / Lawson's Jewelers / Leed's Shoes / Monica's ladies' wear / Moran Drapery Stores / Petite Sophistocate ladies' wear / Pier One Imports (outparcel) / Prince & Princess children's wear / Raelon's Gifts & Cameras / Security Pacific Bank / See's Candies / Singer Sewing Center / The Modern Woman ladies' wear / Thom McAn Shoes / Vauple's Whittwood men's wear / Vicki's Toy Town / Youth Town children's wear / Wetherby-Kayser Shoes / Whittwood Jewelers / Whittwood Music / Whittwood Theatre (outparcel) / Wonder Shops ladies' wear

By 1976, Myers Brothers has been rebranded by Boston Stores. The complex is also being promoted as WHITTWOOD MALL. In 1978-1979, the open concourse was enclosed and climate-controlled. Mervyn's came on board -as a fourth anchor- in November 1981. With these improvements, the mall retail spans around 872,800 leasable square feet and contains eighty-two stores and services.

An early '80s view of the enclosed mall's East Wing, with a Helvetica-font JCPenney nameplate in the distance. On the left is Sav-On Drug, a WHITTWOOD 1956 charter store.
Photo from www.mitchglaser.com

Another 1981-vintage view of the WHITTWOOD shopping concourse. Apparently, that's a Hitching Post store on the left.

Photo from Whittier Public Library Historical Photograph Collection

A snapshot of the shopping hub's Food Park entrance. The culinary complex opened for business in November 1981.
Photo from http://mywhittiercom.blogspot.com