American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the FIRST major regional shopping center to open in the United States?

1. Southland Mall, Hayward, CA (1963)

2. Sun Valley Mall, Sun Valley, CO (1959)

3. Northland Center, MI (1954)

4. Manchester Mall, Fresno, CA (1958)

The correct answer is: Northland Center, MI (1954)

The Northland Center, which opened in 1954 in Michigan, holds the distinction of being the first major regional shopping center in the United States. This shopping center represented a significant shift in retail development, as it was designed to cater to a broader market area and offered a wide variety of stores under one roof, which was a relatively new concept at the time. The Northland Center's impact on suburban development and consumer behavior set a precedent for future shopping centers across the country. Its design included features like ample parking and an array of stores, making it a convenient destination for shoppers. This innovative approach distinguished it from earlier retail developments, which were often small and focused on local markets. In contrast, other options listed either opened later or did not have the same historical significance in the evolution of shopping centers. Sun Valley Mall, for instance, opened five years after Northland, while Southland Mall and Manchester Mall followed even later. Thus, Northland Center's status as the first major regional shopping center marks it as a pivotal point in the history of American retail.