GAVIIDAE ["gah-vuh-day"] COMMON was officially dedicated on August 19, 1989. This complex was built on space where the original Donaldson's had once stood. It spanned 5 floors, 237,000 leasable square feet, and housed sixty shops. The primary tenant was an (84,000 square foot) Saks Fifth Avenue (1989-2005).
Graphic from http://www.gaviidaecommon.com (website on Internet Archive Wayback Machine)
In a vintage interior view, we see the mall's ornate decor and barrel-vaulted ceiling, which is reputedly the largest in the state. In the center of the image is a statue of a loon, the Minnesota state bird. In fact, the complex was named after "gaviidae," the Latin word for "loon."
Photo from Wikipedia / Bebak Ha 'Eri
An exterior view of GAVIIDAE COMMON. A second complex, known as GAVIIDAE II, opened for business a few years after the dedication of the building seen here. The two are linked via a double-decked section of Skyway, which is seen on the left.
Photo from www.loopnet.com
The first operational store in GAVIIDAE II held its grand opening on August 9, 1991. The facility comprised 4 levels, approximately 189,000 leasable square feet, and contained forty shops and restaurants. It was originally anchored by a (118,000 square foot) Neiman Marcus (1991-2013). The complex was part of the 40-story Dain Rauscher Plaza office building (known post-2008 as RCB Plaza).
Photo from www.loopnet.com
The State Fare Food Court occupied the top floor of the GAVIIDAE II mall. The culinary complex opened for business in March 1992 and was dismantled in late 2013. It has been replaced by office suites.
Photo from www.yelp.com / Tony R.