08/05/2026
🥇Highland Park Village, built in 1931, holds historical significance as the first true shopping center in the United States. 💡Conceived by Edgar Flippen and Hugh Prather, it was designed in a Spanish Colonial style by architects Marion Fooshee and James Cheek. The design was influenced by a visit to the World Exposition in Barcelona and other locations.
Key historical points include:
👉It was the first retail development planned as a cohesive unit with stores facing inward and parking within the center, setting a precedent for future shopping centers.
👉The Village Theatre, which opened in 1935, was Texas’s first luxury suburban theater and the first in Texas to have air conditioning.
👉Over the years, various businesses have been part of the Village, including grocery stores, a tearoom, and clothing retailers.
👉Highland Park Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
👉The architecture features Spanish Mediterranean influences, including arched doorways, balconies, and tile work. Ornamental metalwork and lighting were created by Potter Art Metal Studios.
👉Today, Highland Park Village is known for its luxury retailers and dining options. 🫶🏻You can find more historical information on the Highland Park Village website - hpvillage.com Highland Park Village