square one turns 50

On October 3, 2023, Square One Mall in Mississauga celebrated its 50th anniversary with the grand opening of the "Vision Centre," a thoughtfully designed space that honors the mall's rich history while embracing its future. The Centre, created by Oxford Properties and Daniels Properties, serves as both a commemorative landmark and a functional area for customer engagement and community interaction. Since its opening in 1973, when it was Canada’s largest shopping center and the third largest in the world, Square One has grown into a dynamic urban hub at the heart of Mississauga, making the Vision Centre a fitting tribute to its evolution.

The Vision Centre's design blends modern aesthetics with historical storytelling, creating an immersive experience for visitors. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a bold gold "50" sculpture that symbolizes the mall’s legacy and immediately sets the tone for the space. Inside, seven large paneled display fins wrap around the inner walls, offering a visual narrative of Square One’s journey over the past five decades. This historical timeline highlights key moments and developments, allowing visitors to engage with the mall’s storied past while a detailed map of downtown Mississauga emphasizes Square One's central role in the city’s growth.

In addition to its historical elements, the Vision Centre is designed to be a versatile, functional space. It includes a welcome desk that serves as the primary point of contact for customer acquisitions, ensuring that visitors are well-informed and engaged from the moment they enter. The Centre also features areas specifically allocated for displaying sales materials and hosting open meetings, making it an ideal environment for business discussions and community engagement. This blend of functionality and design reflects the Centre's dual purpose as both a celebratory space and a strategic tool for future development.

The Centre’s overall design is enhanced by bold branding and contemporary elements, such as sleek furniture and digital displays, that engage visitors and communicate Square One's ongoing growth. The phrase "We’re just getting started," prominently displayed throughout the space, emphasizes the mall's forward-thinking vision and its commitment to shaping the future of Mississauga. By integrating elements of its historical significance with modern design features, the Vision Centre not only celebrates Square One's past achievements but also sets the stage for its next chapter, reinforcing its integral role in the city’s urban development.