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

Graphic from Western Department Stores Annual Report 1958

 

The basic footprint of MANCHESTER CENTER is established by 1960. The core structure is indicated in black. Sears had become a shadow anchor in 1956. A mall-connected Rhodes -and store space shown in medium gray- were completed in 1959. The complex now encompassed ten buildings, approximately 360,400 leasable square feet, and housed forty-one stores and services. Free parking was provided for 4,200 autos.