🗓️Timeline of Doxey-Layton’s Victory and Development part 10

🕰️ Valley Fair Mall: Timeline of Doxey-Layton’s Victory and Development

Early 1960s

  • Doxey-Layton Realty Co., known for developing Foothill Village, begins scouting sites in the Granger area for a regional shopping center.

  • They initially secure a building permit for 2700 West & 4100 South but soon shift focus to 2700 West & 3500 South due to size and accessibility.

Mid-1960s

  • Multiple rival mall proposals emerge:

    • Doxey-Layton proposes the 3500 South location.

    • ZCMI considers its own site at 4100 South.

    • Pete Harman’s 35–40 Corporation proposes a mall at 4000 West & 3500 South.

  • Tensions rise; experts argue only one regional mall can succeed west of Salt Lake City.

  • In September 1965, ZCMI abandons its solo effort and joins Doxey-Layton, focusing on 2700 W & 3500 S.

1966–1968

  • The project faces intense zoning battles, opposition from local residents, and legal challenges.

  • Phoenix developer Frank Campbell joins the effort, helping secure financing and support.

  • In October 1968, with a Utah Supreme Court ruling in hand, Valley Centers Inc. receives its construction permit.

1969

  • BUR Inc. purchases the project and brings in Reininga and Holmes, Inc. to complete construction.

  • O. Richard Flack is hired as mall operations manager.

July 13, 1970

  • J.C. Penney becomes the first anchor store to open in Valley Fair Mall.

July 27, 1970

  • ZCMI and most other tenants officially open their doors, including a four-screen Showcase Cinema.

  • The mall is 93% leased at opening.

  • The development has cost $14 million for exteriors, with total investment expected to exceed $20 million after tenant buildouts.

🏢 Initial Tenants (1970)

  • Anchor Stores: ZCMI, J.C. Penney, Mervyns (added later in 1980)

  • Retail & Specialty: Walgreens, Castletons, K-G Stores, SH Kress, Fashion Fabrics, Betty’s Bra Bar, Thom McAn, Singer, Allen’s Shoes, Petrie’s, Foxmoor, Chess King

  • Food & Treats: Orange Julius, 31 Flavors, The Cheese Shop, Barricini, Corey Anderson Pies

  • Financial & Services: Zions First National Bank, First Security Bank, Household Finance, The Optical Shop

  • Cultural & Faith-Based: Deseret Book

  • Entertainment: Showcase Cinema (4 screens)

🛍️ Legacy

  • The mall became a west-side retail hub, with strong civic ties after West Valley City established its administrative offices across the street.

  • Flack emphasized community engagement, family programming, and strategic renovation through the 1980s and beyond.

-Sheri Kimball Biesinger

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