Commercial Development Background II
Soon, the enclosed mall became the standard for new shopping construction. The city of Blaine was host to the first mall in the northern suburbs, the Northtown Mall, opening in 1971.
Airphoto of Northtown Mall taken in 2004. Orginal Northtown Mall located in v-shaped area between the junction of University Blvd (N to S) and Coon Rapids Blvd (NE to SW).
However, in the late 80s and early 90s, two new commercial trends were evident in suburban areas everywhere.
First, the popularity of “big-box” stores was growing. These stores, such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Home Depot, provide the same services (and for the most part, the same layout and design of the physical space) at each location. They are usually large freestanding square buildings with ample parking. Because of the huge corporation behind the businesses, they can offer a huge selection of products at lower prices than local small business owners, who were unable to compete in a David and Goliath-like struggle. Unfortunately for most small downtowns that depend on these independent businesses, Goliath seems to be winning this battle.
Second, small strip malls were booming. No longer huge enclosed buildings, new smaller malls were being built without an inside access corridor. Each store is usually entered at the front from a shared walkway. Seen along freeways and busy city streets, these businesses offer the national stores and easy parking of traditional malls, but on a smaller scale.
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