American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Where was the first suburban, auto-oriented shopping center (Country Club Plaza) constructed?

1. New York

2. Seattle

3. Kansas City

4. New Haven

The correct answer is: Kansas City

The first suburban, auto-oriented shopping center, known as Country Club Plaza, was constructed in Kansas City, Missouri. This shopping center, which opened in 1922, was designed as an outdoor shopping complex that catered to the needs of a growing suburban population, while promoting an auto-friendly environment. The architecture of Country Club Plaza was inspired by Spanish motifs, which added to its unique character and set a precedent for future developments. The significance of Country Club Plaza lies in its role in shaping suburban retail development across the United States, as it demonstrated the viability of blending shopping with suburban living. As automobile ownership became more widespread, the design of shopping centers began to evolve, prioritizing accessibility and convenience for drivers, which would ultimately influence retail architecture throughout the mid-20th century. Other locations listed, such as New York, Seattle, and New Haven, did not see the development of the first suburban shopping center with the same auto-centric focus as Country Club Plaza. This makes Kansas City the correct answer in this context, emphasizing its place in the history of retail development in suburban America.