Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette Mall officially opened its doors to shoppers at 10 a.m. on October 11, 1971, transforming the retail landscape in Central Kentucky. Built on 60 acres, the mall became the state’s largest enclosed shopping center, boasting an impressive 800,000 square feet of retail space. Its design aimed to evoke a Florida beach atmosphere, complete with live palm trees and wide terrazzo walkways lined with garden areas.
The idea behind Fayette Mall was to provide a relaxing shopping experience. Specially imported tropical plants and seating areas were designed to create a garden oasis feel, even as shoppers remained indoors. Shoppers could take breaks at strategically placed rest areas, which included corners designated for husbands, meant to alleviate the boredom often experienced during their wives’ shopping trips.
Highlighting the mall’s aesthetic were four fountains, including a centerpiece fountain designed by artist Clarence Van Duzer, worth $55,000 at the time—equivalent to approximately $424,000 today when adjusted for inflation. These fountains, accented with handmade black brick, highlighted the mall’s unique visual appeal. The grand opening also saw the introduction of distinctively themed stores, with 65 retailers featuring uniquely designed storefronts scattered throughout.
Among the original stores were big names like Embry & Co., Florsheim Shoe Shop, and J. Riggins, which aimed to cater to contemporary fashion needs. The Paul Harris Store featured an eye-catching mosaic mirrored front, while J. Riggins promoted men’s fashion with slick campaigns, including photo opportunities with a Playboy Bunny during the opening weekend.
The mall was not only about retail space—it also accommodated major department stores such as Shillito’s, which was the second Kentucky location for the Cincinnati-based chain. It opened its doors with over 180,000 square feet of merchandise, prominently featuring home furnishings, clothing, and special areas branded for younger shoppers.
Fayette Mall’s launch preceded a competitive shopping environment. McAlpin’s department store opened just three days later, signaling the beginning of a thriving retail scene in Central Kentucky. An expansion in 1993 ultimately made Fayette Mall the largest shopping center in the state, now encompassing over 1.1 million square feet and housing more than 130 stores, including prominent anchor stores like Dillard’s and JCPenney.
With multiple expansions and renovations over the years, Fayette Mall continues to remain a favorite shopping destination, reflecting the evolution of consumer preferences and retail trends since its inception in the 1970s.
