MANCHESTER CENTER had a sole anchor (Sears) during its early years. In March 1959, a Rhodes department store opened its doors. The two-page spread above was included in a contemporary Western Department Stores Annual Report.

Graphic from Western Department Stores Annual Report 1958

By the time of a circa-'60 layout, the basic footprint of MANCHESTER CENTER is established. The complex encompasses ten retail buildings, covers approximately 360,400 leasable square feet, and houses forty-one stores and services. Its parking area accommodates 4,200 autos.