There are two contenders for the distinction 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 opened between September 1955 and February 1956. On the other hand, Denver Dry Goods at CHERRY CREEK CENTER was dedicated in October 1953, with the first inline stores inaugurated in January 1955.
Graphic 1 from Temple Buell & Company
Graphic 2 from Ambrose, Williams & Company
CHERRY CREEK CENTER had a functioning anchor department store almost 2 years before one opened at UNIVERSITY HILLS CENTER. For this reason, we have concluded that CHERRY CREEK CENTER operated as a bona fide shopping mall before UNIVERSITY HILLS.
Graphic from Temple Buell & Company
