Cleveland's Great Northern Mall

An aerial view of GREAT NORTHERN CENTER, which was the first retail structure built at the future mall site. The open-air strip complex was officially dedicated in October 1958. Some of its charter stores were J.C. Penney, W.T. Grant, Fisher Foods, Sears Catalog & Appliance and Richman Brothers men's wear. 

Photo from Fisher Foods, Incorporated Annual Report 1958 

Land adjacent to GREAT NORTHERN CENTER was developed in the 1960s and '70s. May Company of Ohio built its sixth branch, which opened in September 1965. The Welton Becket-designed "May's Great Northern" included a Beauty Salon and Mayfair Tea Room restaurant.
Photo from http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu / Cleveland Memory Project / Joseph E. Cole

 

A fully-enclosed shopping complex was added to the May Company store. GREAT NORTHERN MALL held its grand opening in November 1976.

Graphic from the Biskind Development Company

 

 

A circa-'76 newspaper ad beckons one and all to visit "Great Northern's new mall."
Graphic from the Biskind Development Company