The Montgomery Ward (165,000 sq ft.) store opened on April 20, 1967, when former Maryland Gov. J. Millard Tawes cut the ceremonial ribbon.[1][2] The second anchor of the two anchor mall, Woodward & Lothrop, opened its store in the Spring of 1967.[3] With both anchors in place and 60 stores, the grand opening of the $10 million, 500,000-square-foot (46,000 m2) center occurred September 21, 1967.[4]
The mall straddles Iverson Street, which bisects the structure, and attached to the front of the mall is a four-story office building. Originally built as a regional shopping center, it declined after the opening of nearby Landover Mall in 1972.
All fountains were removed during the 1985 remodeling.[4]
By the mid-1990s, the two anchor stores closed and were replaced with discount department stores. In 2008, the mall adopted a new slogan and advertising campaign, "You Can Find it All --- at Iverson Mall."[5]
In 2016, the mall's new owners drew up plans for a $30 million renovation, funded partly by a loan from the county's Economic Development Incentive Fund. Under the plan, the mall would be more outward-facing, with a "main street" atmosphere and outside access to some restaurants. Completion of the renovation was expected by the 3rd quarter of 2017, with the mall having a new wood and glass facade, energy efficient upgrades, new lighting, a new security system, and new restrooms. Plans also include 75,000 square feet of office space.[6]
On June 10, 2022, three people were injured after being shot near the mall entrance.[7]