The Grand Canyon State's first mega mall was also the nation's first five-anchor shopping venue. In its original state, METROCENTER encompassed approximately 1,391,000 leasable square feet and housed over 100 stores and services. Its vast parking area accommodated 7,000 autos at one time.
Photo from Phoenix Public Library Collection / Petley Studios, Incorporated
A second METROCENTER aerial view focuses on the mall's south end. A Tacoma-based Rhodes store is seen on the left, with a Los Angeles-based The Broadway store on the right.
Photo from Cards Unlimited, Incorporated / Dick Kent
Diamond's was one of the first operational METROCENTER anchor stores. The 187,000 square foot unit was the fourth branch of the Phoenix-based chain. It opened for business in October 1973.
Drawing from the Dayton Hudson Corporation
