NORMANDALE SHOPPING CITY was one of the first regional retail centers in the Southeast and also the first mall-type complex in Alabama. The shopping hub was built in two stages. The first, stretching along the top of this rendering, opened in September 1954.
Drawing from Sherlock, Smith & Adams / Aranov Realty
Anchoring the original section of NORMADALE was a 2-level Loveman's of Alabama department store. It opened, in September 1954, as the second branch of the Birmingham-based chain.
Advert from the City Stores Company
Cars fill the parking lot on September 10, 1954...the center's grand opening day.
Photo from http://digital.archives.alabama.gov / John Engelhardt Scott