Introduction to the Closure of Westminster Mall
After serving for decades as a community hub and popular shopping center, the Westminster Mall in Orange County is getting ready to close its doors.
History of the Mall
Most of the shops in the mall will shut down on Oct. 29 when leases expire, according to Westminster City Manager Christine Cordon. The City Council approved a redevelopment plan in 2022 to turn the mall into a mixed-use site for housing, leisure and retail. The 100-acre property, situated on the south side of the 405 Freeway, could soon offer 3,000 housing units and at least 600,000 square feet of upscale retail space.
Redevelopment Plans
The city’s Westminster Mall Specific Plan also sets aside more than 9 acres for parks and recreation. “The community has expressed a strong desire to revitalize this important commercial center,” the redevelopment plan says. “The project site provides a unique opportunity to reposition the mall into the thriving activity center that it once was and to accommodate the future growth of the city.”
Community Reaction
Community members gathered last week to say their goodbyes to the mall, which already has shuttered stores and empty parking lots. According to the mall’s online directory, popular shops such as Victoria’s Secret, Vans and Kay Jewelers are still open. JCPenney, the mall’s oldest anchor store, is slated to close by Nov. 21. Best Buy and Target are expected to remain open for a few more years as the property undergoes redevelopment.
Memories of the Mall
Alexis Malatesta, who frequented the mall as a teenager and now runs a Westminster Mall fan account on Instagram, hosted a farewell karaoke party at the mall on Friday. She posted videos of the gathering, where several community members came to reminisce and sing songs in the mall’s honor. Malatesta’s Instagram says it’s “a page dedicated solely to the Westminster Mall’s battle with terminal illness,” referencing the mall’s long, rocky fall from its prime.
The Mall’s Heyday
In 1986, the mall was Orange County’s second-highest-grossing retail center. The next year, the mall announced a big renovation plan. In its heyday, the mall was a gathering spot when there were few other places to hang out. It was where kids found the latest fashions and where “mall rats” roamed in packs after school.
The Mall’s History and Renovations
The Westminster Mall opened in 1974 on the former site of the world’s largest goldfish farm, according to city documents. It underwent major renovations in the 1980s and in 2008, and is now controlled by four companies that share ownership of the property: Kaiser Permanente, Shopoff Realty, True Life Cos. and Washington Prime Group. True Life, a Denver-based real estate firm, has received permission from the city to build a five-story, multifamily housing structure on the 3.6 acres that was previously occupied by Babies R Us.
Conclusion
Though the city has ambitious redevelopment plans, the Westminster Mall will lose its nostalgic value for Malatesta, now 33 years old. “You can go into an indoor mall and you can forget about the outside world,” Malatesta said. “Westminster Mall was my spot.” The closure of the mall marks the end of an era for the community, but it also brings new opportunities for growth and development.
FAQs
Q: When will the Westminster Mall close?
A: Most of the shops in the mall will shut down on Oct. 29 when leases expire.
Q: What are the redevelopment plans for the mall?
A: The city plans to turn the mall into a mixed-use site for housing, leisure, and retail, with 3,000 housing units and at least 600,000 square feet of upscale retail space.
Q: Will any stores remain open?
A: Yes, Best Buy and Target are expected to remain open for a few more years as the property undergoes redevelopment.
Q: What will happen to the mall’s nostalgic value?
A: The closure of the mall will likely erase its nostalgic value for many community members, including Alexis Malatesta, who has fond memories of the mall.
Q: What is the future of the property?
A: The property will be redeveloped into a thriving activity center with housing, retail, and recreation spaces, accommodating the future growth of the city.
