Arizona State University researchers and librarians are currently working with developers Plaza Companies and Hoalualoa Companies to preserve and share the history of Phoenix’s very first mall – Park Central Mall.
After recovering microfilm reels, newspaper clips, signage and old photographs from the 1950s in the mall’s basement, Plaza Companies reached out to ASU for assisting in the preservation.
Now, ASU is asking the community to come out and share the human aspect of the mall - the shopping memories, the holiday traditions, the store owners - through collection days at Park Central Mall.
“The mall has a special place in the hearts of a lot of people in the Valley,” said ASU Research Administrator Kristine Navarro-McElhaney. “They remember time spent with family, meeting up with friends, shopping, eating and going to parades and shows. Their grandparents talk about it. It has a tremendous sense of place.”
Phoenix locals are being encouraged to attend the collection days on Saturday, March 3 or Saturday, April 7 to share their memories via interviews with Navarro-McElhaney and her team.
Those interested in attending a collection day in person can sign up for a time slot here. Those unable to make it to the mall can also share their memories via phone at (480) 965-9367 or email at [email protected].
“Everyone has a story,” Navarro-McElhaney said. “I would be honored if the community would come out to share them with me.”
For more information on the Park Central Mall Project, visit www.parkcentralphoenix.com.