In 1937, Capitol architect Bertram Goodhue proposes a seven-block “wide avenue”to create a formal approach to the building. City and state leaders designated a 120’ wide right-of-way from the Capitol to the University and formed a joint commission to begin creating the mall.

In 1967, in honor of the state’s 100th birthday, Centennial Mall was created on the 4 blocks that were closed to vehicular traffic. Centennial Mall was designed to be an urban oasis where people could relax and meet in a park-like setting -- the first of its kind in downtown Lincoln.

In the 1970s, the UNL College of Architecture developed design guidelines for Centennial Mall, which were published in Progressive Architecture magazine.

In 1987, the Capital Environs Commission was established and charged with preserving and enhancing the quality of the capitol environs district. Ten years later, the City and State commissioned a master plan which envisioned the Spirit of America Mall. The plan called for closing all seven blocks of Centennial Mall and was estimated to cost $20 million. To reduce costs the City and STate explored a simplified plan which did not involve closing the three open blocks in the middle of Centennial Mall.

In 2009, the City has made $2.2 million of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) available for essential improvements to Centennial Mall and a plan that identifies opportunities for future amenities.