When the City Center Mall opened in 1989 it signaled the arrival of the first upscale shopping destination in Central Ohio. Twenty years later, the mall was in the process of being razed to make room for the new Columbus Commons, but it could be said that the mall made it possible for newer shopping destinations such as Easton and Polaris to be so widely successful and popular today.
As a part of the opening ceremony of the City Center Mall held on August 18th, 1989, a limited run of 100 framed art-deco posters were handed out to various influential guests who attended and supported the new mall.
One of these posters just landed in our possession and is currently being displayed in the offices of Columbus Underground at 65 E. Gay Street. Recent Ohio State graduate, Richard Shotliff graciously donated this beautiful piece of Columbus City history.
The print (pictured to the right) showcases the mall’s original anchor stores including Marshall Field’s, Jacobson’s and Lazarus, set against a portion of the Columbus skyline that includes The LeVeque Tower, the Huntington Building and the Ohio Statehouse.
The poster also includes a hand-signed note from Robert Larson who was a long-time executive of Taubman Centers, the City Center’s developer. This specific poster was originally presented to Franklin County Commission Arlene Shoemaker.
Thanks again to Richard for the beautiful artwork donation and the additional research about the history of the piece!