Southdale – the first shopping mall in the country.
Minnesota has played an important role in history of shopping centers in United States for decades. The very first fully enclosed, climate-controlled regional shopping center, Southdale, was built in Edina, MN. The Dayton Company conceived the idea for the project in 1950 to meet the needs of many businesses moving from the city to the suburbs.
The center opened on October 7, 1956 and became a benchmark for shopping, retail, and community development. 
About 10 years ago, the mall underwent a significant remodeling and additions. Today, it is a home to a new, very popular 16-screen AMC theater, and anchor stores like Macy’s and JC Penney, and high end restaurants, like Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy and P.F. Cheng.
The above pictures are those of the original 1950s center.
Mall of America® (MOA) – the largest shopping mall in the country.
Minnesota received the second important mark on the shopping map of the United States in 1992 when Mall of America® opened its doors. The mega center draws millions of visitors each year and is the number one tourist destination in the Midwest. More than half a billion people have visited MOA since its opening.
Main attractions offered here include The Park at MOA™, Underwater Adventures® Aquarium, LEGO® Imagination Center, A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation, and NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway.
Mall of America® has been designed with environment in mind. The Mall has been incorporating elements such as passive solar heating, an extensive recycling program, live plants and trees to act as natural air purifiers, and water-efficient toilets.
Test your Mall of America knowledge (or take a guess) – check your answers at the bottom.
1.How many people visit Mall of America® each year?
b.40 million
c.100 million
2. What is the size of the mall building?
a.1.5 million square feet
b.2.5 million square feet
c.4.2 million square feet
3.How many stores are located at MOA?
a.410
b.520
c.725
4.How many parking spaces does the mall offer?
a.8,500
b.10,000
c.12,550
5.How is the building heated in the winter?
By forced air heating system
By hot water heating system
By solar energy, retail lighting and body heat from the visitors
Galleria- one of the most unique and upscale shopping malls in Minnesota.
Just across the street from Southdale, Edina’s most upscale shopping center welcomes visitors with impeccable curb appeal. The small, yet grand shopping center offers quite unique shopping experience. Galleria’s anchor retailers include Gabberts (furniture store and design studio), Restoration Hardware (furniture and accessories), Barnes&Noble Bookseller, and a number of one-of-a-kind stores and shops for everyone.
The restaurants located here offer special experience: exquisite entrees, fine beverages and live entertainment. Two of my favorite ones are Crave ( http://www.galleriaedina.com/shops/store.asp?id=44 ) and The Good Earth Restaurant and Bakery ( http://www.galleriaedina.com/shops/store.asp?id=66 ) . They both serve wonderful food: excellent recipes, fresh and organic food, classy presentation, and atmosphere.
The mall is currently expanding by adding a brand new building which will house Crate&Barrel. The east side is featuring an upscale condo and hotel development, The Westin, currently under construction. This development will forever change the landscape of the Southdale area.
Check out the list of Galleria stores and restaurants
Answers to Mall of America quiz: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-c, 5-c
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