In the beginning, there were two freestanding department stores at the future UNIVERSITY MALL site. Zayre opened for business in late 1970, with Almys being dedicated in mid-1978. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, the Almys chain was operating fifteen stores when Almys Burlington opened its doors.
Graphic from Almy, Bigelow & Washburn, Incorporated

 

In March 1977, work commenced on an L-shaped enclosed mall (in dark gray). When officially dedicated in April 1979, the complex encompassed approximately 320,000 leasable square feet, with free parking for 2,500 autos.