Our first layout depicts the MIDDLETOWN MALL of 1975. Its total gross leasable area was 225,000 square feet. Twenty-five stores flanked the north-south and east-west concourses. A parking garage also accommodated 752 autos. Major stores were J.C. Penney, G.C. Murphy and an adjacent (but not mall-connected) Sears. Mabley & Carew and The Central Store pulled up stakes soon after the mall's completion.

In this snapshot, and the three that follow, we see a fully-realized MIDDLETOWN MALL-CITY CENTRE MART. Above is a view of the dramatic, pulsing fountain in the Rotunda.

Photo from http://www.midpointedigitalarchives.org / MidPoint Digital Archives

The east concourse and J.C. Penney, which was one of three anchors at the original MALL-MART. The Late Moderne-design store had been a downtown Middletown landmark since 1951.

Photo from http://www.midpointedigitalarchives.org / MidPoint Digital Archives

Worthmore men's shop, another long-time downtown merchant. The existing storefront was extended 8 feet to connect with the air-conditioned mall.

Photo from http://www.midpointedigitalarchives.org / MidPoint Digital Archives

Dohn's (rhymes with "owns") Hardware was another long-time downtown merchant.

Photo from http://www.midpointedigitalarchives.org / MidPoint Digital Archives