The De-malling Of California

California's de-malling movement turns white elephants into urban centers.

1 minute read

March 20, 2004, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"California is gradually being de-malled. The regional malls and shopping centers that emerged during the suburban era are becoming obsolete. But they are not all transmogrifying in the same way. Some are growing into the larger regional centers that are necessary to compete in today’s retail world. Some are being torn down and replaced with a new kind of shopping center, often something as simple as the standard "power center" with discount retailers. Some are being torn down and replaced with housing, usually high-density housing with a traditional street grid that has been superimposed on the old mall footprint. And still others, like Whittwood, are being transformed without being razed, so that they are more urban and mixed use in nature."

Thanks to Paul Shigley

Friday, March 19, 2004 in California Planning and Development Report

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