If I understand the OP, there is less of this kind of weirdness in Canada?
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Univer...19.81,,0,-4.81
The mutant 1950s mixed use strip mall...with a single row of parking in front in suburban St. Louis.
Or this is just across the street. Single story but same deal, small amount of off street parking in front, the strip mall prototype. Note the pedestrians kind of spilled off the small sidewalk onto the small lot.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Univer...,,0,-5.11&z=17
I've always kind of been fascinated by these kinds of structures, and figured they could be re-adapted easily enough.