In 1975, thousands of balloons hung from the ceiling of a new shopping mall on Birmingham’s east side. Some balloons had cash inside. People could grab one, pop it, and possibly get money.
This opening stunt showed what Century Plaza was meant to be. It was not just a place to shop or eat. It was meant to draw people in, give them something to do, and make the trip out to Crestwood Boulevard feel worthwhile.
Construction had been underway long enough that a Sears store on the west end opened early, on September 25, 1974, while the rest of the mall was still being built…