The idea for an enclosed shopping mall in Missoula dates back to 1973, when Erickson Development Co., a Minnesota-based development firm, proposed a $15 million regional shopping center south of Buckhouse Bridge, along U.S. Highway 93.

On February 9, 1977, developer George Lambros revealed plans to build a 398,000 square-foot shopping mall on 68 acres between U.S. Highway 93 and South Avenue in Missoula.
The Missoula City Council approved Lambors' plans on February 14, with construction expected to begin April 1.
On May 10, Hart-Albin, Hennessy's and Sears were confirmed as anchor stores.
An additional anchor, a two-level Nordstrom Place Two store, was confirmed in March 1978.
In July, after months of speculation, J. C. Penney was confirmed as the anchor for the mall's planned second phase.

Southgate Mall's first tenant, Kings Table Restaurant, opened on June 28, 1978, with Sears following on July 12 and Hart-Albin on July 27.
Southgate Mall held its grand opening ceremony on August 2.
The mall's second phase, which added an additional 25 stores and anchor J. C. Penney, was completed between August and November 1979.
In August 1983, Pay 'n Save and Ernst Home Centers were added to the mall in a detached building south of the existing structure.
The idea for an enclosed shopping mall in Missoula dates back to 1973, when Erickson Development Co., a Minnesota-based development firm, proposed a $15 million regional shopping center south of Buckhouse Bridge, along U.S. Highway 93.
On February 9, 1977, developer George Lambros revealed plans to build a 398,000 square-foot shopping mall on 68 acres between U.S. Highway 93 and South Avenue in Missoula. The Missoula City Council approved Lambors' plans on February 14, with construction expected to begin April 1. On May 10, Hart-Albin, Hennessy's and Sears were confirmed as anchor stores. An additional anchor, a two-level Nordstrom Place Two store, was confirmed in March 1978. In July, after months of speculation, J. C. Penney was confirmed as the anchor for the mall's planned second phase.
Southgate Mall's first tenant, Kings Table Restaurant, opened on June 28, 1978, with Sears following on July 12 and Hart-Albin on July 27. Southgate Mall held its grand opening ceremony on August 2. The mall's second phase, which added an additional 25 stores and anchor J. C. Penney, was completed between August and November 1979. In August 1983, Pay 'n Save and Ernst Home Centers were added to the mall in a detached building south of the existing structure.
Southgate Mall (Missoula)