Maryland's Wheaton Plaza

Upon its completion in 1960, WHEATON PLAZA was DC's first mega-sized shopping hub. It would be was the region's largest mall until July 1968, when Virginia's TYSONS CORNER CENTER opened for business.

Graphic from Lerner Enterprises

 

The first operational WHEATON PLAZA store was a Giant Food supermarket, which opened for business in September 1956.

Advert from Giant Food Shopping Center, Incorporated

 

DC's Woodward & Lothrop chain anchored the east end of WHEATON PLAZA. The store was dedicated in February 1960. It encompassed three levels and included the Montgomery Room, an upscale restaurant.

Graphic from Woodward & Lothrop, Incorporated

Montgomery Ward was the second anchor of the original mall. The store, reputedly the largest branch in the chain, also opened its doors in February 1960. 
Drawing from Montgomery Ward & Company