Southdale Center • Edina • Minnesota

    Southdale Center • Edina • Minnesota

Southdale Center is a shopping mall located in Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. It was the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States and is considered a landmark in the history of American retail.

The mall was designed by Victor Gruen and opened in 1956, featuring more than 70 stores and a central atrium. Gruen's vision was to create a "shopping town" where customers could find everything they needed in one place, with ample parking and a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

Southdale Center quickly became a popular destination for shoppers in the Twin Cities area and was widely praised for its innovative design and amenities. The mall featured a large department store, a cinema, a food court, and a variety of specialty shops, as well as a large parking lot with over 5,000 spaces.

Over the years, Southdale Center has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with changing retail trends and consumer demands. In the 1980s, a second level was added, along with a new wing that included a Target store. In the 2000s, the mall underwent a major renovation that included the addition of a new food court and an outdoor plaza.

Today, Southdale Center is home to more than 100 stores, including major retailers like Macy's, J.C. Penney, and Apple. The mall also features a variety of dining options, a fitness center, and a movie theater.

Edina, the city where Southdale Center is located, is a thriving community with a population of around 52,000 people. The city is known for its affluent neighborhoods, excellent schools, and high-quality of life. In addition to Southdale Center, Edina is home to several other shopping destinations, including the upscale Galleria Edina and the 50th and France retail district.

Overall, Southdale Center and Edina are important cultural and commercial centers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, offering residents and visitors alike a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.