Built:
1954, Michigan's first regional shopping center
Location:
Southfield
Distinctive Features:
- One of the first shopping centers designed by Victor Gruen
- Originally an open-aired mall, but eventually enclosed
- Largest Macy's store in the nation (located in a mall)
History:
Commissioned by J.L. Hudson Co. to build its first satellite store, Victor Gruen designed the nation's first regional shopping center. It consisted of a multi-level Hudson's Department Store surrounded by clusters of retail stores distributed over two levels. This in turn was surrounded by acres of parking. Northland was originally an open-air shopping center. The center was eventually enclosed and expanded to include more anchor stores.
Today:
After changing hands several times, the original Hudson's store is now the largest Macy's in the country. Out of the remaining anchor stores, two are vacant and the other two are Wholesale Liquidators and Target. The mall now has over 100 stores with dining options that include A&W, Charley's Steakery and the Flaming Wok.
