The outdoor malls are in response to yutes taking over the established indoor centers. Yutes don't like weather.
The outside malls are thriving with shopping clientele. Sidewalks/streets are busy THROUGHOUT the day. The center square with fountains are crowed. There is a waiting list for adjoining apartments/townhouses/condos.
This artist rendition of an outdoor mall would certainly back memories of the downtown shopping of the 1940s-1970s. For many in suburbia...this is their 'downtown'.