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. This was the city's very first mall-type retail venue.
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 do our best with (sometimes) limited 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.