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 May Company California. Upon its grand opening in February 1952, it was America's largest suburban department store. The 347,000 square foot "Mays Lakewood" held this largest store distinction for 2 years. It was bested by J.L. Hudson, which anchored Greater Detroit's NORTHLAND CENTER. This store, encompassing 496,200 square feet, opened in March 1954.
Photo from the City of Lakewood