Not only that this 1957 mall is still there but it was renovated back to its mid-century modern design. Park Central Shopping City, as it was originally known, was first envisioned by Ralph Burgbacher and his older brother, A.J. Burgbacher. The two men purchased the 46-acre property, then home to the Central Avenue Dairy, in the 1950s.
Park Central Mall opened in 1957, and quickly became the center of activity along Central Avenue, thanks to its proximity to some of Phoenix’s best neighborhoods and easy access from Central Avenue, Thomas Road and Indian School Road. The location made mass transit a viable option for visitors as well.
- https://parkcentralphoenix.com/
Welton Becket designed the Goldwater's building and Ralph Haver and John Schotanus Jr. designing other parts of the mall. The mall was built by Kitchell-Phillips Contractors Inc. When the mall opened, the primary anchors were a twin-level Goldwater's which predated the initial opening of the mall. It opened November 8, 1956. There were also a twin-level Diamond's, and a J.J. Newberry five and dime store. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the mall and its first 31 stores were held on April 1, 1957.
The Park Central Shopping City, in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, serves the entire Valley of the Sun. It offers 5000 car free parking on a plot of 47 acres, with 500,000 square feet of shoppig area. There are department stores, restaurants, specialty shops, a drug store, and a nursery for the convenience of shoppers.
This huge 19 foot welded steel sculpture was done by Walter Emery, weighs 1,800 pounds and took six months to complete. The statue, which has attracted world-wide attention, originated from an idea in an old Indian Legend called the Sun Worshipper of the Mountains. It is good luck to have your picture taken here.
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