Ridgmar Mall's Evolution: A Fort Worth Icon

0:00It's March 28th. This is Dallas News Today, powered by AI, I'm Cory with the story. Fort Worth's Ridge Mar Mall kicked off on October 20th, 1976, as the city's first fully-enclosed shopping spot at Interstate 20, and Texas 183. Miss Texas herself cut the ribbon under the skylights, unveiling over 130 stores like Neiman Marcus and Sears. Picture a central spiral ramp with steel sculptures and a fountain spring water high. First shopping magic back then. Early ads hyped the sunlit vibe with trees and benches for chill breaks between vies. Opening day drew crowds with celebs like Mr. Peppermint from TV and Puppet Argyle of the Snake, plus Sesame Street characters hyping the fun. Over decades, folks packed the place for Black Friday rushes, holiday photos with Santa and the Rockets, even watching the Monica Lewinsky interview at Sears. Many events popped off too, from Girl Scout Cookie Fest and fashion shows to cattle drives

1:01kicking off Salvation Army drives. By late 1999, major renovations tore down that iconic ramp and pumped in fresh looks, followed by a $70 million remodel in 2000. New ownership paid in 2005, with Masteric taking over, keeping the buzz with skateboarding dogs and trivia tours. Ridge Mar's evolved from springtime fantasy to West Fort Worth stable, mirroring local life through busy aisles and special moments that still spark. Memories today.