Program #1 - Austin History - First aired on July 3rd on Channel 16 - Replayed on Thursday July 5th @ 10:30 AM on Channel 10; Tuesday July 10th @ 2 PM on Channel 16; Thursday July 12th @ 9 AM on Channel 16
Mauri Gandy talks about the Mueller Airport that brought growth to Nothwest Austin. Mueller Airport opened in 1936 and closed in 1999 when the airport moved to Bergstrom Air-force Base.
Mauri shares a look at the peaceful Mueller Lake Park and Mueller Office Center that was built in 2007. Taking a look at history of shopping in Austin. The first shopping mall in Austin was Capital Plaza. In 1955 Joe Crow began purchasing property near the municipal airport, just east of Interstate 35 which divides East from West Austin and cuts across the city. Over the course of three years he purchased forty-two acres from ten different property owners. Mr. Crow pursued getting approval from the City Counsel to build the mall. After much negative comments on non support he finally succeeded. The mall was finished in 1960. Montgomery Wards was the largest store until Target took over the location in 2004 after major renovation. Hancock Center was the 2nd shopping mall in Austin with Sears opening in November 1963. Sears is the only store in the original location. Dillards and G. C. Murphy's were other major stores. A community center was built under Sears. Today this center looks frozen in time (1960s) after it fell in disuse due to modern fire laws and APA compliances.
Mauri interviews her mother Leah Davenport at her 90th birthday. Leah shares stories about shopping in Austin when she first came to Austin after WWII. Leah and her daughters share laughter as they retell stories of their father.
More history of shoping centers:
Allandale Shopping Center in NW Austin
1954 - Twin Oaks Shopping Center in SE AustinClick here for more information
CLICK HERE for our Archives of Austin History information.
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