Ground was broken for the LAKEWOOD CENTER mall in October 1950. The first stores opened in October 1951, making LAKEWOOD America's third mall-type shopping complex; this following Seattle's NORTHGATE CENTER (April 1950) and Boston's SHOPPERS' WORLD (October 1951). 

Drawing from Lakewood Center, Incorporated

The First Phase mall was anchored by a gigantic May Company California store. Upon its grand opening in February 1952, it was America's largest suburban department store.
Photo from the City of Lakewood