A high-contrast snapshot of the 379-foot-long shopping concourse. Its concrete roof vaults provided protection from inclement weather, although the area was not enclosed and climate-controlled.
Photo from Architectural Forum / June 1962 / George Cserna
Knoxville-based Miller's, Incorporated anchored the north end of THE VILLAGE with a 1-level (30,000 square foot) department store. It would operate at the mall for over 26 years.
Photo from Architectural Forum / June 1962 / George Cserna
Graphic from Miller's Incorporated
Obviously, THE VILLAGE was (and is) quite an ultra-modern architectural gem. Here, we see the southern facade of its S.S. Kresge dime store.
Photo from Architectural Forum / June 1962 / George Cserna
Unit number 723 was one of fifty-two new stores opened by the Kresge Company during 1961. At this time, the Detroit-based chain conducted business in forty-two states, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. In 1961, there were 784 operational stores.
Graphic from the Kresge Company
Our first VILLAGE layout depicts the mall of August 1961. At this time, the complex covered a modest 190,500 leasable square feet and contained twenty-nine stores and services. A partial Lower Level housed a bowling alley and snack bar. Free parking was provided for 1,800 autos.
THE VILLAGE TENANTS 1961:
MILLER'S / S.S. KRESGE 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / Anna Ball White ladies' wear / Butler's Shoes / Callaway Delicatessen / Cole Rexall Drugs (with luncheonette) / Cordie's Beauty Shop / Earl's Bakery & Catering Service / Eleanor Shops ladies' wear / Handcraft One-Hour Cleaners / Joe Rodgers Office Supply / Margaret's House of Fashions ladies' wear / Mary Trewhitt Stork Shop / Phillip's Shoes / Record Mart / Sears Catalog / The Village Barber Shop / The Village Book Shoppe / The Village Cafeteria / The Village Men's Shop / The Village Patio / The Village Scrub Board laundermat / Village Amoco service station (outparcel) / Village Hardware & Sporting Goods / Village Lanes bowling alley & Lunch 'n Bowl (Lower Level) / Village Shoe Repair / White Stores supermarket
VILLAGE OFFICE BUILDING
Abbott Paine & Proctor / Cleveland National Drive-In Bank / Jafco, Incorporated / J.C. Thames, Certified Public Accountant / J.F. Corn, Attorney At Law / J.M. Park & Sons / Marvin Rymer / Pegues & Patten Insurance / Village Merchants Association
