A fantastic, high-contrast snapshot of the 379-foot 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 of Tennessee anchored the north end of THE VILLAGE with a 1-level (30,000 square foot) department store. It would preside over the mall for more than 26 years.
Photo from Architectural Forum / June 1962 / George Cserna
Graphic from Miller's Department Stores
Obviously, THE VILLAGE was (and is) quite an ultra-modern architectural gem. Here, we see the southern facade of its 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 operated in forty-two states, and in Canada and Puerto Rico. In 1961, there were 784 operational Kresge 5 & 10s.
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 an eventual twenty-nine stores and services. A partial Lower Level housed a bowling alley and snack bar. There was free parking for 1,800 autos.
THE VILLAGE TENANTS 1961:
MILLER'S / S.S. KRESGE 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / WHITE STORES supermarket / 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
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
