A mid-1970s view of the mall's newly-carpeted concourse. A large Jean Nicole store is seen on the right. Off in the distance is an S.H. Kress 5 & 10. Even farther in the background, we can discern a Woolco nameplate.
Photo from www.floridamemory.com / State Library & Archives of Florida / Karl E. Holland

LAKE PARKER MALL originated with a freestanding Montgomery Ward that was completed in 1964. A fully-enclosed mall and Woolco discount mart were added in 1970-'71. The Jerry Lewis Twin Cinema made its debut in 1972. Factoring in the Ward's Auto Center and Winn-Dixie supermarket, the mall encompassed approximately 390,100 leasable square feet.

LAKE PARKER MALL TENANTS 1973:

WOOLCO (with Red Grille) / MONTGOMERY WARD (with Buffeteria snack bar and freestanding Auto Center) / WINN-DIXIE supermarket (outparcel) / S.H. KRESS 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / Allied Radio Shack / American Bank of Lakeland (outparcel) / B. Dalton Bookseller / Bambi, Incorporated children's wear / Bernard Wigs / Bresler's 33 Flavors Ice Cream / Candle Cottage / Captain Orange / Carousel Records / First Edition / Fremacs For Men / Gallenkamp Shoes / GNC / Gift Port / Hallmark Cards / Hi-Tide Fish & Chips / Hanover Shoes / Jean Nicole ladies' wear / Jerry Lewis Twin Cinema / Jo-Ann Fabrics / Josie's ladies' wear / Kimbal & Lowery Piano & Organ Center / Mr. Beau Jangles / Mother-To-Be Shop / PROfessional Uniform Shops / Regis Hairstylists / Royce Shoes / Snak Shack / SupeRx Drugs / The Country Store /  The Mall Pet Center / The Plum Tree Gifts / U.S. Army and U.S. Marines Recruiting Offices / Zales Jewelers