Opening of Southdale
Southdale opened to the public on October 8, 1956 at a cost of $20 million, which was funded by the Dayton Company. 188,000 shoppers and spectators visited Southdale in the first weekend it was open. Journalists from all of the country's famous magazines went to Minneapolis to cover the opening: Life, Fortune, Time, The New York Times, Business Week and Newsweek. One journalist announced that overnight Southdale had become an integral "part of the American Way."
The mall was open three nights every week, something new for the convenience of customers. One Southdale firm estimated that on some days as many as 20 to 25% of shoppers in the center were from outside the metropolitan area of Minneapolis. Over 5 million people passed through the center during its first year of operation.
The mall was open three nights every week, something new for the convenience of customers. One Southdale firm estimated that on some days as many as 20 to 25% of shoppers in the center were from outside the metropolitan area of Minneapolis. Over 5 million people passed through the center during its first year of operation.
"I hope it becomes the crystalizing force
for this sprawling suburban area. There
will be places for meetings and concerts
and galleries...and rooms where classes
can be held and places to eat." ~Victor Gruen
for this sprawling suburban area. There
will be places for meetings and concerts
and galleries...and rooms where classes
can be held and places to eat." ~Victor Gruen