In 1950, DeBartolo built Boardman Plaza in Youngstown, Ohio, considered one of the first suburban malls in the United States. The success of this mall sparked a major investment and development campaign which led to the construction of hundreds of malls in suburban and rural areas. By the mid-1990s, DeBartolo had built over 200 malls in 20 states. As a result of his foresight, DeBartolo is credited as being one of the most instrumental business leaders in the development of suburban America.