[3] On August 24, 1967, at a cost of $2 million, being developed by Kenny and Company, El Monte Mall inaugurated to much fanfare.

Being the first climate controlled enclosed mall in Puerto Rico, on opening it had 100,000 square feet of retail space and parking for 271 vehicles.

It was anchored by a Pueblo Supermarket, and had more than 30 establishments with 44 offices which included places such as Zales Jewelers, B & S Drug discount pharmacy, Banco Crédito & Ahorro Ponceño, Carmen Chirino boutique, Crest Shoes, Dulcería Teen, Elenjul children's wear, Estrella's Modas, Furniture Super Marts, Guys and Dolls sportswear, International Boutique, Sterling House Gift Shop, Van Daalen Brothers Electrical Appliances, Top's Men's Wear, and The Brothers Zito Hairstylists, among others.

[9] In November 1975, the El Monte Mall Tenants Association appealed to the San Juan Superior Court alleging that El Monte Corporation violated the lease agreement with its tenants by establishing paid parking, when it had promised to provide it for free.

The El Monte Mall Tenants Association requested that the court issue a permanent injunction addressed to the defendants, El Monte Corporation, Interstate General Corporation and Aparcadores Nativos, Inc., ordering them to refrain from limiting, restricting or impeding in any way, to the plaintiffs and their customers and guests, free access to the parking facilities located on the first floor of the mall building.