There are two contenders for the title of Colorado's first shopping mall. The first stores in UNIVERSITY HILLS CENTER opened in August 1951. However, this first phase was a simple strip-type complex. Tenants in an adjacent open-air mall began business between September 1955 and February 1956. Denver Dry Goods at CHERRY CREEK CENTER was dedicated in October 1953, with the first mall store inaugurated in February 1954.
Graphic from T.H. Buell & Company
CHERRY CREEK CENTER had a functioning anchor department store almost 2 years before one opened at UNIVERSITY HILLS CENTER. Also, mall stores at CHERRY CREEK opened months before those at "U-Hills." For these reasons, we conclude that CHERRY CREEK CENTER was the Centennial State's first mall-type shopping center.
Graphic 1 from T.H. Buell & Company
Graphic 2 from Ambrose, Williams & Company
