What is West Edmonton Mall?
West Edmonton Mall is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the world. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the mall spans over 5.3 million square feet and is home to over 800 stores, restaurants, and attractions. Its unique blend of retail, entertainment, and tourism offerings has made it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Origins of West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall was developed by the Ghermezian family, a Canadian family of Iranian-Jewish origin. The family had experience in real estate development and had already built several successful shopping centers in the United States and Canada. In the early 1980s, they set their sights on developing a massive shopping and entertainment complex in Edmonton, Alberta.
The Design and Construction Process
Construction of West Edmonton Mall began in 1974 and took over four years to complete. The Ghermezian family employed over 14,000 workers during the construction phase, which cost over $1 billion. The mall’s design included several unique features, such as an indoor amusement park, a water park, an NHL-sized ice rink, and a full-sized replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria.
West Edmonton Mall’s Grand Opening
West Edmonton Mall officially opened its doors on September 15, 1981. Over 60,000 people attended the grand opening, which was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and several musical performances. The mall’s opening was a major event for the city of Edmonton and was covered extensively by the media.
Record-Breaking Features of the Mall
West Edmonton Mall has several record-breaking features, including the world’s largest indoor amusement park, the world’s largest indoor water park, and the world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coaster, the Mindbender. These attractions have made the mall a popular destination for thrill-seekers from around the world.
The Evolution of West Edmonton Mall Over Time
Since its opening in 1981, West Edmonton Mall has undergone several renovations and expansions. In the 1990s, the mall underwent a major renovation that included the addition of several new attractions and the expansion of existing ones. In 2012, the mall underwent another major renovation, which included the addition of a new luxury wing and several high-end retailers.
Unique Attractions and Entertainment Offerings
West Edmonton Mall is home to several unique attractions and entertainment offerings, including the World Waterpark, Galaxyland Amusement Park, and the Sea Life Caverns Aquarium. The mall also features several movie theaters, a mini-golf course, and a zip line.
The Future of West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall continues to be a popular destination for shoppers and tourists. The mall’s owners have plans to continue expanding and renovating the complex to keep up with changing consumer trends and preferences.
Historical Significance of West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall has had a significant impact on the city of Edmonton and the Canadian retail industry. It has become a symbol of Canadian entrepreneurship and innovation and has helped put Edmonton on the map as a major tourist destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Edmonton Mall’s Creation Date
Q: When was West Edmonton Mall built?
A: West Edmonton Mall was built in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Q: Who built West Edmonton Mall?
A: West Edmonton Mall was built by the Ghermezian family, a Canadian family of Iranian-Jewish origin.
Q: How much did it cost to build West Edmonton Mall?
A: The construction of West Edmonton Mall cost over $1 billion.
West Edmonton Mall’s Impact on the Local Economy
West Edmonton Mall has had a significant impact on the local economy, providing thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue. The mall’s success has also spurred the development of other retail and entertainment complexes in the Edmonton area.
Conclusion: The Legacy of West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall’s creation date may have been over 40 years ago, but the mall continues to be a major player in the retail and entertainment industries. Its record-breaking attractions, unique offerings, and ongoing expansion and renovation projects ensure that it will remain a popular destination for years to come.
