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. 
Photo from the City of Lakewood