History
Cherry Hill Mall opened on October 11, 1961 on the former site of the 16 acre George Jaus farm. Designed by Victor Gruen and built and managed by The Rouse Company at a cost of $30 million, upon opening it became largest mall in the nation and is commonly referred to as the first enclosed, climate-controlled mall in the Eastern United States. The mall featured 90 stores, exotic birds, tropical plants, fountains and a movie theater, something unlike anything in what was called Delaware Township had ever seen.
The mall layout was unique for the time. Unlike the dumbbell malls of the time, the mall started from the east anchor, Bamberger's, with a large "Delaware Mall" concourse to the west of it. About halfway along this concourse was an exit way that led back to a twin movie theatre and a giant arcade. The center of the mall featured Cherry Court, a court with high ceilings, more tropical plants, fountains, parrots, plus a staircase leading directly into the second floor into Strawbridge & Clothier. The northern wing featured the "Market Court", Food Fair, and Thrift Drug. There was also a Kresge, Woolworth's, and two liquor stores.
The mall changed through the years; 1973 brought a detached nine-story office tower. In 1977 a new two-story wing was built in the north part of the mall, following the closure and demolition of Pantry Pride and the Market Court. This wing was anchored by JCPenney. The 1990s brought more change to the mall, with the mall being remodeled once more featuring a teal/gray color scheme and skylights. The mall received different fountains and the ornate Strawbridge's staircase was replaced with a simple escalator/stairs combination. By 1997, two distinct parts of the mall had formed: an upscale wing near Macy's featuring Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, and Ann Taylor, while the JCPenney wing featured McDonald's, General Nutrition Centers, Radio Shack, and several urban shops. In 2003, the mall was sold to Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT).
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