The original open-air complex, which incorporated around 415,000 leasable square feet and contained thirty-two stores and services. Its parking area could accommodate 5,000 autos. The mall's exterior was illuminated at night by four powerful fluorescent light towers. Each stood 156 feet high.

LAKESIDE CENTER TENANTS 1961:

D.H. HOLMES (with The Potpourri restaurant, Coiffures American Beauty Salon and freestanding Holloway House Cafeteria) / J.C. PENNEY / GODCHAUX'S / T G & Y 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / S.S. KRESGE 5 & 10 (with The Dinette luncheonette) / WINN-DIXIE supermarket / Arnold's / Baker's Qualicraft Shoes / Butler's Shoes / DeLis Young Fashions / Dino Studio / Du Say's For Pets / First National Bank of Jefferson Parish / Fun Arcade / Gordon's Jewelers / Halpern's / Hausmann's Jewelers / Home Services / Household Finance Corporation / Jean's Hosiery / Jefferson Savings & Loan Association / Jim's Lounge / Kreeger's / Lakeside Barber Shop / Lakeside Beauty Salon / Lakeside Toys / Lerner Shops ladies' wear / Little House / Maternity Fashions / Paris Hats / Pittsburgh Paints / Schiff's Shoes / Singer Sewing Center / Steven's / The Coachman / The Magi Gift Shop / Turntable Records / Thom McAn Shoes / Vision Plaza / Walgreen Drug (with Walgreen Grill) / Western Auto (with freestanding Auto Center) / Werlein's For Music / Wright's