Auburn Mall was originally built in 1973 by Colonial Properties Trust as "Village Mall", with two anchor stores initially: Sears at the western end and Gayfers at the eastern end.The expansion included new JCPenney and Dillard's buildings, Belk relocating to the market, and adding a streetscape to the front of the mall.The streetscape included retailers such as Ann Taylor Loft, Chico's, Coldwater Creek, Jos.In 2007 Jones Lang LaSalle became management and leasing contractor of Colonial University Village and the other properties.[3] On April 14, 2020, it was announced that the former JCPenney would be converted into a mall entrance and smaller stores.