Thanks to Cherokee Service and Southview Animal Hospital for their support.
Once upon a time, an enclosed mall found a home in West St. Paul: Signal Hills Shopping Center. It started as a strip of stores and later became an enclosed mall. Signal Hills Shopping Center existed for half a century until competition from the Mall of America and changing economics forced a shift back to a strip mall and standalone K-mart. The strip mall still exists today, but the K-mart and former bank building were torn down for the Hilltop and Legacy Commons apartments.
Despite the changes, Signal Hills mall stood for nearly half a century and is firmly rooted in West St. Paul’s nostalgia.
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The Evolution of Signal Hills
Let’s look at how Signal Hills has evolved over the years. Oddly enough, photos of the Signal Hills mall are hard to find, but we’ve scoured our sources and shared as many photos as we could find (have photos of Signal Hills? Let us know).
Here’s a look at aerial imagery showing the evolution of the Signal Hills site between 1957 and 2021:
Hills and a Lake (Pre-1955)
Initially, Hurley Lake and hills occupied the land, with some romanticized stories that the Dakota used the hills for smoke signals.
Early stories of West St. Paul talk about kids sledding on the hill in the winter.
Signal Hills Shopping Center (1955-1999)
Brothers John and Joseph Hurley were early settlers in West St. Paul and claimed a lot of land, including what would become Signal Hills. In the 1950s, John’s grandson Eugene A. Hurley formed a construction company with his brother-in-law Jad Asfeld and future Mayor Robert Callahan and built Signal Hills. They leveled the hills and filled in the lake to create an initial strip of 20 stores that opened on October 26, 1955.
During the early 1960s, an addition to the north added a new anchor, the Emporium department store, and enclosed the mall. The new addition opened on November 1, 1961, with 45 total stores and parking for 2,100 cars. The expansion cost $2.5 million.
This questionable ad from the 1960s shows the apocryphal name, but more importantly gives a good overview of what the mall layout looked like:
Later in the 1960s, the separate Signal Bank was built on the northeast corner of the property.
The original Red Owl grocery store was replaced with a movie theater in 1982.
Interior Photos
Over the years, interior photos of Signal Hills have been extremely rare. These photos come from the Dakota County Historical Society and were found in a recently acquired batch of photos. They’re from 1980:
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List of Stores
Here’s an incomplete list of stores that were in Signal Hills Shopping Center at some point in time:
- JC Penney
- Emporium; later Herbergers
- Red Owl Grocery Store; later Signal Hills Movie Theater
- B. Dalton’s Bookstore
- United Stores
- Pets Unlimited
- Post Office
- Great American Music Company
- Woolworth’s
- Schaak Electronics
- Foot Locker
- Chess King
- County Seat
- Hickory Hut
- Pier One
- Shangri La
- Walgreen’s
- Saint Paul Book & Stationary
- Comic store
- Barber shop
- Salon
- Arcade
- Hot dog stand
- Ice cream stand
(Thanks to Carolyn Swiszcz and her zine.)
Beginning of the End
The opening of the Mall of America in 1992 meant the end of the Signal Hills mall. Here’s a glimpse of the end of the enclosed mall in 1998 (black and white photos courtesy of Dakota County Historical Society, color photos courtesy of John Ramsay):
Why Open the Enclosed Mall?
So why did Signal Hills get converted back to a strip mall?
- Competition: With the opening of the Mall of America and more nearby competition in Eagan and Woodbury, Signal Hills struggled. “Our sales went south after that,” said the mall’s marketing director, Gwen Mortenson, in a 1999 Star Tribune story. The mall dropped from a high of 70 stores to just 16 by the late 1990s (in part because of an impending renovation).
- Closures: Anchor J.C. Penney announced their closure in 1998, in part because of the tiny store size—just 34,000 square feet versus 174,000 at the Roseville store. That closure would bring the mall’s vacancy rate to 53%. The five-screen Mann movie theater closed at the same time in early 1998. “It was old and worn out,” said City Council Member Darlene Lewis in a 2005 Pioneer Press story. “It was a gradual decline over the years.”
- Convenience: According to Signal Hills officials, the mall’s specialty tenants wanted the transition to a strip mall to give their customers immediate access from the parking lot.
K-mart Era (2000-2020)
By 2000, the anchor Herbergers and the enclosed portion of the mall were demolished, with a new standalone K-mart constructed to the northwest of the old mall.
Signal Bank closed in 2001 and stood empty for 20 years. Multiple rejected proposals came along, including a funeral home, youth shelter, banquet hall, and combined restaurant/dog park. None had serious backing or fit with long-term plans for the site.
K-mart filed for bankruptcy in 2002 and the local store struggled for years. It eventually closed in 2016 along with more than 130 K-marts nationwide. The building briefly housed a Halloween store and local auctions. In 2017, the City Council rejected the idea of a shooting range. Go-karts and mini-golf were also proposed, without serious support or backing.
Here’s a view of the former K-mart and Signal Bank buildings in 2020 just before they were demolished for the Legacy Commons and Hilltop apartments.
Apartment Era (2022- )
Here’s Signal Hills today. The original strip mall still exists to the south, but we enter a new era with the Legacy Commons and Hilltop apartments, which opened in 2022, dominating the northern end of the property.
Legacy Commons is a five-story, 247-unit senior apartment building located on the east end of the property. Hilltop is a four-story, 146-unit apartment building located on the west end of the property. Both buildings are in affordable housing programs and income limits apply.
Experience Signal Hills
While photos of Signal Hills are hard to find, this shaky camcorder video from 1988 recently resurfaced.
This video was originally shot by the late Mike Fischer and shared with the permission of his sister, Helen Ballinger.
Captured in a Local Zine
Perhaps the best way to experience Signal Hills is with the zine by local artist Carolyn Swiszcz. In 2020 she created the “Signal Hills Shopping Center” zine with the support of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Swiszcz recounts the history in this little booklet, making wry observations and sharing unique anecdotes. The zine also includes a map and list of the stores that used to be in the mall. You can buy a copy of “Signal Hills Shopping Center.”
Watch Swiszcz read her “Signal Hills Shopping Center” zine.
More Photos
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I moved to WSP in 1993, and remember a buffet-style restaurant in Signal Hills, back near the theater. The food was served on large carousels which slowly rotated. The carousels were on the wall between the dining area and kitchen, which made it easy for kitchen staff to keep them filled. Can’t remember the name of the place.
I believe that was called Buffy’s.
or Muffy’s now that I think of it.
I think it was Duff’s Buffet?
Duff’s
Duffs Smorgasbord
Duff’s. Spent hours there as a teen-ager!!!
think it was Duffs
I used to work in Signal Hills Mall at Regis hair Salon in 1988 and Hal’s menswear store. Kinney’s Shoes, Bresslers Ice cream, Woolworths — loved the diner & ate at the counter all the time!
There was a nice womenswear store called I believe the stable
The Stable was owned by Lancer’s (the men’s store). Lancer’s was next door to Bonnie’s Shoes. Woolworth was next door to Lancer’s in the other direction. There was another nice woman’s clothing store next to Bonnie’s Shoes. Name escapes me. There was a dentist office next door to this woman’s clothing store that was operated by Doctor Carl Haedge, Senior.
My mother worked at Gruss Bakery on the corner across from Woolworth’s making $.75 per hour. Then worked at Del Farm Grocery that was located down from Penny’s toward Robert Street.
My Mom opened a fashionable women’s boutique called the Byzintine around 1980, it was located next to United Store and Herbergers Dept Store.
Before Herbergers, there was a department store in the mall called Van Arsdales. It was where you went if you wanted something “fancy”!
I worked at the Gingerbread House during the 1980s. It was my first job. Then I worked at United Stores for many years through high school and college.
I worked way Bresler’s ice cream shop. My sister worked at Gingerbread House. A friend worked at the bakery. There was also Desmonds formal wear and the key shop.
Don’t forget Ray’s shoe repair. ( owners-The Van Heels)
I loved Ray’s. I remember walking in and being blasted with the smell of (what I assume was) leather and some chemicals. Not sure what that smell was, but I loved it.
Right next door to Kinney Shoes.
I lived in the apartment building on Robert street just south of the strip when I was 2-3yo. I can still see it in the arial pictures. There was a PigglyWiggly grocery store at that end near Robert St. Also a drug store, maybe Snyder’s. I remember getting cigarettes and TV tubes from there with my dad. I also got a three foot doll named Mary from there.
The post office was next to Penney’s.
Emporium, the VanArsdelles.
We moved from the apartments to a house that backed up to Signal Hills. We walked almost every day to the Red Owl to get groceries for dinner.
I remember being in the barbershop next Red Owl when the newspaper camer out about the tower sniper shooting at UT in Austin TX.
The bank was Signal Hills Bank. They had hills and smoke rings in their logo. It was my bank until I moved to Texas in 1975.
Also there was a Hallmark gift store.
I worked at VanArdales my First job in cosmetics it was fun. Then Herberhers came in and it was exciting that’s when computers came to the store and it was a huge transaction for so many great memories and people I will never forget ..
Not sure about “Emporium” but before “Herberger’s” it was “Van Arsdell’s” “…
a complete department store on two floors — connected by a famous escalator (a ride in itself to many children), boasting such departments as Lingerie, Handbags & Hosiery, Sporting Goods, Housewares, Men’s and Women’s Wear, Juniors, Shoes and even a Travel Agency!” For the mall, who doesn’t remember the great “Black Friday” shindigs with hourly specials throughout? This mall is missed!
Yep, they had “Midnight Madness” on Black Friday (Before “Black Friday” was really a thing). The most fun a kiddo could have in WSP. LOL
We booked our honeymoon back in 1978 though their travel agency
I had to leave a comment to highlight “KB Toys”. As a kid in the late 80’s and early 90’s I couldn’t let such a monument go unmentioned. All the latest toys and the video game cartridges behind the glass.
The pizza place between the “Signal 5 Theater” and the Arcade was called “Paul Revere Pizza” and sold pizza by the slice. Four dream stores in a row – Toy store, Arcade, pizza, theater. Then go around the corner and check out the new books, comics, and magazines at “B Dalton”.
There was also a “Fannie Farmer” candy store I haven’t seen mentioned yet, over by “JC Penny’s”.
I also have lots of wonderful memories of KB Toys, the arcade, and the theater. I vaguely recall seeing Return of the Jedi there when I was 5 years old. That spot was a truly childhood landmark!
A hobby store I believe it was owned by a gentleman whose last name was lightfoot .
Thanks for all the great memories.
There was a restaurant (sit down, kinda of a nice place) back by Van Arsdales. Anyone able to refresh my memory?
That would have been O’Gara’s East next to Van Arsdales.
Before O’Gara’s it was Wongs Chinese.
I meant Shangri-La, not Wongs.
Very cool. Before I was born, my father co-owned the barber shop and eventually part owner in Antonio’s Beauty Salon. After he passed in 1982, my mother worked there and become a co-owner as well. Seems that mall was pivotal to my parents provide a nice, yet modest, life. Very cool.
I have such fun memories. My wonderful friend Sue and I worked at Woolworths behind that food counter and it was fun every single time. Loved it.
I enjoyed shopping at Bobby Brooks and Van Arsdales and eating at the Shangri-la restaurant. Nummmmmm!!! Still go to the one in N St Paul.
I remember you Judy. Class of 67 right. Weren’t you a cheerleader? Dark hair. A babe! Love this walk down memory lane. Denny McKay
My mom also worked at Gruss Bakery. She didn’t drive so one of her children would drive her. I drove her to Red Owl with her coupons because we had a very tight budget for groceries. I had a huge crush on one of the men in the meat department.
I lived my first 50 years on the “East Side”, but remember getting a ride to, or driving to, Signal Hills. Woolworth’s for holiday shopping. The movie theater. Pier One. Stops at other shops and something to eat. No matter what I needed or wanted, I could do most of my shopping there in half a day! Now I live a mile from Signal Hills and still use the Post Office, dollar store, ice cream shop, T-Mobile, and more.
Signal Hills was not enclosed in 1964, when our family moved to WSP. I remember a Warners Hardware, Sound of Music and Fanny Farmer. I still have my Colorado hiking boots I bought at Kinney Shoes. Remember Santa was there for the kids. Fishing at the trout pool every year. Miss that little mall!
I would add Snyder Bros. Drugs, Mary Adams (women’s wear), Happy House (cards/candles), Bresler’s ice cream (freestanding in the center of the mall), Buttrey’s (I think–women’s wear), and 2 freestanding places I can’t remember the names of, but one made custom tshirts and one was make-your-own-jewelry, with polished stones and rings. *sigh*
Jewelart was the name of the jewelry making place. It was between Brussels and the Gingerbread house.
Bresslers ice cream…not Brussels
One more free-standing operation–Wondra’s Piano–in the middle of the mall at the Penny’s end of the mall. I remember a pretty brunette lady sitting at the piano playing nights, weekends, and especially the holidays.
My dad’s first job out of college was as a pharmacist at Snyder Bros. Drugs. In the 60’s, I would often walk over there after school let out at Moreland to hang out in his office and read comic books. As the years went by, would get my hair cut at the Squire (?), get pet fish and baby turtles from the pet store & Woolworth’s, buy glasses and contacts from Dr. Peterson and eat plenty of Bressler’s 33 Flavors ice cream. Fun memories!
Piccadilly Circus arcade was the spot in the late 80’s early 90’s . I grew up few blocks away behind the old McDonald land . Remember walking into foot locker and staring at the Jordans in starter jackets dreaming lol
I remember a few other stores not yet mentioned. Firstly, I remember getting a balloon, but it flew away through the not yet roofed mall. I remember the black and white square tiles at the bank. Before it was Hallmark, there was a gift and card shop called Happy House. There was a children’s store called Happy Togs next to Woolworths ( the dime store). Across from Kinney’s was Bonnie’s Shoes. I recall saying to my dad that I liked Bumper shoes, kind of like the ones at Kinney’s, but he said they were too expensive at $6.99! When Pier One was new, they had samples of dried banana chips and sesame crackers that seemed pretty exotic!
Also, back in the earlier days, there was a fitness spa, near Antonio’s where they had a vibrating belt that women wore around their butt, in the window!.
I felt the mall really went downhill after the mid 80s. Glad I have so many fond memories!
Later I liked to shop at the Stable.
Our family attended the grand opening in 1955. Really big deal. We were early mall rats. Lived a few bocks from there so was a major destination and source of entertainment. We liked to pretend we were manikins in the JC Penny storefront. Would wave at children who would tell their parents. They couldn’t see us because we stood still. Once the manager was alerted and came in to look. Couldn’t see me though he standing right next to me. Finally spots me and throws me out. My first job really.
Back in the 80s we’d wait in line all night behind Great American Music to get tickets for upcoming rock concerts, usually held at the St. Paul Civic Center
I always wanted to go to the arcade and movie theater as a kid. This place has some of my best memories and I am a gamer to this day thanks to that arcade!
I would like to see a photo of the original Signal Hills neon sign. I first heard of the smoke signals from a member of the Kaposia Mdwakanton band who was a counselor at the Saturday a.m. YMCA youth activity programs at the Armory. We took some field trips to Kaposia Park and learned local Indigenous history.
As noted in all of these comments, so many stores and fun businesses were missed in “the incomplete list of stores”. Van Drake Jewelers is another that I haven’t seen mentioned yet in this walk down memory lane of Signal Hills.
I was one of those kids sliding down Hurley Hill in the winter. In the years before West St Paul built a library I used to walk to a bookmobile that would park in the north lot every Wednesday evening. Growing up only 4 blocks away, it was amazing to watch the mall expand over the years. I’m kind of glad I moved away before it all came to an inglorious end. RIP, Signal Hills. You’ll love on in my memories.
Wasn’t there a house on top of the hill at the turn of the century?
Dies anyone remember the two grocery stores? One was Red Owl. Country Club was across the street where the Buffet place us now.
Del Farm was at the other end from Red Owl.
I believe the Del Farm was originally a National Food Stores.
I didn’t see these stores mentioned – there was an upscale men’s store I believed called Mr John’s – it was outside Van Arsdell’s. Van Arsdell’s had a separate men’s big and tall store close to Bresslers and there was a hobby shop next to it. And next to Woolworths there was a dentist office
My mother bought me my first suit at Mr. John’s. Owner John Seaton was Sibley High class of 1961 and was classmate of my older sister Mary.
Mr. John’s was owned by John Seaton of W. St Paul. Great men’s store and I was well dressed for being a W. St Paulite. Joined the Army in 1963 and it took me almost a year to pay off my Mr. John’s charge account.
I remember all of the stores that everyone has mentioned. It was the best mall of all. We “mom’s” had a huge used hockey gear sale each year for the kids to trade in their hockey equipment that was too small and they could buy used gear to have for the upcoming season. So much fun. Also, VanHeel’s were my neighbors. Apparently, Millie, is still alive at the grand age of 100. Mark, her grandson is a St. Paul Police Officer.
There was a place to get your ears pierced – 2 Plus 2 I think? I also remember getting metal trunks for camp and jeans at the United store.
Yes, 2 Plus 2! It’s where I got my ears pierced in 2nd grade.
Buttrey’s and Mary Adams (across from Kinney’s) were two places to find great women’s clothing. There was also a Stride Rite store next to Hallmark. When Shangri La moved down Robert Street, Van Arsdels turned that spot into their ladies lingerie location.
Shangri La was turned into O’Gara’s. West.
There was a doctor at the mall in the early 60’s. I can’t remember his name, and I’ve been trying to recall his name. He delivered both of my girls in the early 60’s. Does anyone remember his name?
Maybe Dr. Howe?
no, that doesn’t ring a bell.
In the 1970s Signal Hills had a hobby store, Woodcraft Model Hobby, located between the pet shop and the liquor store. A real go to for many of us who had a little chore money burning a hole in our pocket.
You could pick up your Levi’s at County Seat, your sneakers at Foot Locker, and a even a leisure suit at Lancer. After Happy House closed, a Collector’s Gallery opened in that mall location. I think there was even a video store there briefly, before it became Hallmark.
I recall Northwestern Book Store, which sold religious books and related items, just across from GNC which was next to B. Dalton Bookseller in the north end of the Signal Hills mall.
I worked in the notions department of the Emporium on the north end of the mall 1963 to 1965. It was in the NW corner of the store by the drug/cosmetic and millinary departments. Bought my Singer sewing machine from Pennys on their lay-away plan in 1963. Still using it.
I used to work at Jewel Art make your own jewelry. I also remember the fishing pond that they would set up for special occasions and kids like me could catch a fish. There was also a regular jewelry store but I can’t remember the name. Some time during 1972-1977
Goodman’s Jewelry store. Also, there was Braun’s. It was so much fun to shop at all the stores. Buttrey’s was a favorite.
Hoping to see a photo of the original neon Signal Hills sign along Robert Street. I’m remembering the animated neon smoke signals.
“Initially, Hurley Lake and hills occupied the land, with some romanticized stories that the Dakota used the hills for smoke signals.” I don’t think this was romanticized. The hill at the end of Imperial Dr is a high point in the Metro area and was no doubt used as a gathering spot and also for communication by the Dakota people. I grew up in the house I still live in and when I was little there was a well worn path behind our house going up to the top of the hill. That path was used by someone else long before our house was built.