Southdale Center – Well That Will Never Fly

My parents were married in 1950 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  My father was a carpenter specializing in building cabinets and kitchen cupboards.  In those days, there were no prefabricated cabinets, everything was custom built.  In the early part of the fifties, work was scarce, so my father commuted to the Twin Cities looking for employment.  He landed a job at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis.  There he built display cabinets and shelving.  Somewhere around 1954 I suppose, the manager came to my father and asked if he would like to transfer to a place called Edina, Minnesota.  The manager explained that the company had a plan to try something new and innovative.  They were going to build a “mall” which would have several stores all under one roof!  The mall would have two anchor stores, one of which would be Dayton’s.  My father, being the ever visionary, replied, “Well that will never fly.”  Tired of the weekly commute, my father later returned to Eau Claire.

So Southdale Center, holds the distinction of being the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall in the United States. This pioneering retail complex revolutionized the shopping experience and set the stage for the development of modern shopping centers around the world.

The concept of Southdale Center was conceived by Austrian-born architect Victor Gruen, who envisioned a community-friendly space that would bring the convenience and amenities of urban living to suburban areas. Gruen's innovative design was intended to create a "shopping town" that offered not only retail stores but also spaces for social interaction, culture, and leisure activities. His vision was to develop a vibrant community hub that addressed the growing needs of suburban residents in the post-war era.

Construction of Southdale Center began in 1954 and was completed in 1956. The development was funded by the Dayton Company. The mall was strategically located in the expanding suburb of Edina, making it easily accessible to residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

The grand opening of Southdale took place on October 8, 1956. The mall featured 72 stores, including the anchor tenants Dayton's and Donaldson's. The enclosed structure provided a comfortable shopping environment, protected from our harsh Minnesota weather, and boasted modern amenities such as air conditioning, escalators, and ample parking.

Southdale Center's innovative design and concept had a profound impact on the retail industry and urban development. It set a new standard for shopping malls, influencing the design and construction of similar complexes across the United States and around the world. The success of Southdale demonstrated the viability of enclosed malls as profitable ventures and popular destinations for consumers.

The mall also contributed to the suburbanization of America, as it encouraged the growth of suburban communities and the shift of commercial activity away from traditional downtown areas. Southdale became a model for future developments, showcasing the potential for malls to serve as multifaceted centers that offered shopping, dining, entertainment, and social spaces.

Over the decades, Southdale Center has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends. The mall has continued to evolve, incorporating new retail formats, dining options, and entertainment venues to maintain its relevance and appeal to shoppers.

In recent years, Southdale has embraced the trend of mixed-use development, integrating residential, office, and hotel spaces into the mall complex. This approach aligns with Victor Gruen's original vision of creating a comprehensive community space that meets the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

My father would have to wait until 1971 when London Square Mall opened in Eau Claire, to actually enjoy the “mall” experience. Only one level with anchor stores of Sears and Prange’s, it was a much smaller version of Southdale.  Yes, Johnny Cooper gave up his chance to be a part of history.