In November 1980, the third enclosed shopping center in Sioux Falls opened for business. NEW TOWN MALL, a community-class complex, was built directly across the road from THE EMPIRE. It was anchored by Target, Sioux Falls-based Shriver's and the Multi-Cinema Theatres.

Photo from http//www.greetingsfromsiouxfalls / The Argus Leader

Back at THE EMPIRE, a second expansion has been built by 1988. A Southwest Wing (in light gray) adds Sears and twenty-seven inline stores. The shopping venue now spans around 1.1 million leasable square feet and contains 107 stores and services. 

By the turn of the century, the shopping facility was officially known as THE EMPIRE MALL. Its culinary complex had been moved from Center Court to the northwest corner of the structure. The new Harvest Cafe was dedicated in September 2000. It would eventually contain twelve fast-food eateries.

Photo from www.labelscar.com / "Prange Way"

In a circa-2001 layout, the new Harvest Cafe is indicated in light gray. The Dayton's store, on the south side of the mall, has just morphed into a Marshall Field's. Likewise, a freestanding Best Products (nee' LaBelle's) store has closed and re-opened as a a Gordmans.

By the 2010s, it was time for a mall-wide face lift. Here, we see a rendering which depicts how a refurbished Food Court would appear post-renovation.

Drawing from www.simon.com / Simon Property Group