Ever wonder what stood here before Twelve Oaks Mall became a shopper’s paradise? This land almost became a landfill. Imagine the stench. Thankfully, residents of Novi in the late 1960s had other plans for this spot. Twelve Oaks Mall, a shining beacon of retail therapy, opened its doors on August 2, 1977. The mall was the brainchild of A. Alfred Taubman, Homart Development, and the Dayton-Hudson Corporation.
Twelve Oaks Mall wasn’t always destined for Novi. Initially, a similar project was proposed in nearby Farmington Township, anchored by Sears. However, local opposition pushed the developers westward. This change of location proved fortuitous, placing Twelve Oaks Mall at the easily accessible intersection of Interstate 96 and Novi Road. The mall, designed by Gruen Associates and Richard Prince, quickly became a landmark in the Detroit suburbs. One of three super-regional Taubman malls built in the late 1970s, Twelve Oaks joined the ranks of Lakeside Mall and Fairlane Town Center.
The mall’s journey wasn’t without its transformations. In 2002, the old United Artists Theatres were replaced by the “Lifestyle Cafe” food court. Kiosks, once considered taboo by Taubman for fear of attracting loitering teenagers, also made their debut. A major expansion in 2007 added a Nordstrom, bringing the total retail space to a whopping 1.5 million square feet. The mall’s architecture stands out from other local malls, with its wood and steel railings, terrazzo flooring, and eye-catching art installations.
Even as retail trends shifted, Twelve Oaks Mall adapted. H&M expanded to a two-story location in 2018, a first for Michigan. The mall also weathered the storm of traditional department store closures, including Sears and Lord & Taylor. In 2020, Crate & Barrel even relocated from its Somerset Collection home to join the Twelve Oaks family. Twelve Oaks Mall continues to evolve, a testament to its resilience and enduring appeal. From almost being a landfill to a thriving shopping destination, Twelve Oaks Mall’s story is woven into the fabric of Novi’s history.