COUNTRY CLUB CENTRE, a strip-format shopping hub, was the capital's first regional-class retail complex. An open-air mall section was completed in November 1960. In the previous month, the first stores in SOUTHGATE CENTER had opened their doors.
The interior mall craze arrived Greater Sacramento in early 1968, with three of the region's open-air shopping centers having been roofed-in by 1971. Only two of these complexes still operate with covered concourses.
SOUTHGATE CENTER, was given one of the first demallings in the nation; this done between 1984 and 1986. COUNTRY CLUB CENTRE was demalled in 1991-1992. The capital's first fully-enclosed and climate-controlled retail complex, FLORIN CENTER, endured two decades of decline before being given a wrecking ball renovation in the summer of 2006. It was redeveloped as an open-air "towne centre."
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Although articles and special features have been thoroughly researched, we can not guarantee that all information is 100% accurate. We try to do our best with insufficient reference material and conflicting details. Contemporary newspaper write-ups are our primary source of information. These, and other materials, are listed at the end of each article.
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in the beginning (1917-1943)
Click on image to read about innovative retail facilities that led to the development of the post-war shopping center and mall.
TOY & MHoF Productions Present
A documentary which offers a contradictory viewpoint to the "all malls are dead or dying" declaration. A short history of the American shopping center and mall is also provided.
also from toy & mhof productions
A visual history of the American mobile home and the folk who lived in them, centering on the mid-20th century years.
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logos & trademarks
Mall logo and trademark images in various articles illustrate key moments in a mall's history. The images are not replaceable with free-use or public-domain images. The use of the images does not limit the copyright owners' rights to distribute the images in any way. Images are used for non-profit, informational purposes only and their use is not believed to detract from the original copyrighted images in any way.