A carnival-like atmosphere prevailed at the grand opening of VILLA ITALIA. This was fairly standard practice with Mid-20th century mall dedications, which tended to be grand affairs. The 3-day celebration at VILLA ITALIA was attended by over 750,000 people.

Photo from www.continuumpartners.com/ Continuum Partners, Limited Liability Company 

Although the design aesthetic used for the VILLA ITALIA mall was distinctly Italianate, other architectural styles were employed. Case in point, the high-end ultra-modern facade of Joslins, which anchored the east end of the complex. 

Photo from the Mercantile Stores Company, Incorporated Annual Report 1967

A look inside the VILLA ITALIA Joslins. 

Photo from the Mercantile Stores Company, Incorporated Annual Report 1966