Wall Divides Mall

From the files of "the worst ideas, ever!" these exclusive photographs show the dividing of Eastridge Mall by two-story skybridges.

Previous to the most-recent renovation, this was the mall's idea to improve circulation and flow. However, the additional skybridges acted more as a wall and divided the once great mall.

The mysterious middle level made elevator-placement tricky. What we are looking at is their best effort. Now I understand why they wanted to remove the mystery level altogether.

These photos are courtesy of Dean Lundstrom.

Enjoy!
Scott
See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Eastridge Mall.

Giant Escalators Moving Shoppers

A postcard I forgot I had! Another beauty of Sunvalley Mall, very similar to the previous post. This picture clearly taken a few years later (based on style of clothing).

This card, again, shows the center court, taken near the rare portals to the lower level (we affectionately called "the dungeon" in the early 80s). Visible is the B. Dalton Bookseller, which ultimately relocated between Macy's and Penney's. Music Box is still there, but the Camera Center wasn't visible or even present in the earlier postcard.

The back of the card reads "Giant escalators move shoppers swiftly from one mall level to the other at SunValley, the world's largest enclosed, air conditioned shopping center."

A question for loyal mallrats, was the blue panel above the exit always there?

Enjoy!
Scott

Vintage Postcards: Sunvalley Mall Center Court

This postcard was a rare find! Showing the center court, complete with gold-topped information booth.

The shopping cart mystery continues! In the lower right of the picture shows a woman wheeling her cart, apparently shopping for children. Could this be the same cart as the one pictured in the exterior Penney's postcard posted earlier? Where did it come from and where is she going with it? Were shopping cards outside stores a cultural norm in the late 60s?

This postcard shows my favorite accoutrement of Sunvalley Mall, the giant light fixtures. Each bulb hosting a number of filaments to create a spectacular "explosion" of light. Bulbs similar to these can only be found today in the Princeton Plaza Mall in San Jose.

In the center rises giant metal "trees" from the lower level. Although it never dawned on me before, they look more like palm trees in this photo than they did in real life. Perhaps my perceptions have changed.

The back of the card reads "Over 120 stores are located on the two levels of the mammoth mall at Sun Valley, the world's largest enclosed, air-conditioned shopping center." The card was postally used and the author wrote "Mary, we should do this shopping center together some day! Spent 3 hours there Monday and hardly scratched the surface." Mary Carello of Syracuse, this blog post is for you.

Enjoy the card!
Scott
Read my guide to Sunvalley Mall

Visit the current Website.

See the aerial view.

Vintage Postcards: Eastridge Mall

Here's a great vintage postcard of the famous Eastridge Mall in San Jose. It's a view of the center court towards Macy's. Pictured on the left is the mystery middle level that only appeared on opposing sides in the middle of the mall.

It appears as if a number of vacancies displays in this photo. Although we are treated to a vintage "The Gap" logo in the far left top. Who could forget the Arts International on the top right?

In the center court is the beautiful sculpture that was later moved to downtown San Jose.

With the remodel in 2005, the entire center court was reconfigured. The fountain demolished, and the mystery level removed.

The back of the postcard reads "Eastridge Shopping Center, the largest in the West, is a shopper's paradise comprising over 160 shops and four major department stores under one roof. The three climate controlled levels are unique in their bold design. Capitol Expressway, Tully, and Quimby Roads, San Jose, California."

Of course, the department stores were Macy's, JC Penney, Sears, and Liberty House. Emporium-Capwell replaced Liberty House when the chain pulled out of California. After Macy's bought Emporium-Capwell, they shuttered the store. It sat vacant until the 2005 remodel when they demolished the store.

Please, share your memories of Eastridge here.

Enjoy!
Scott
See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Eastridge Mall.

Vintage Postcards: Tanforan Shopping Center

Here's the latest addition to my vintage postcards, Tanforan Shopping Center in San Bruno, CA.

I estimate the postcard to be pre-1975, at least based on the grill of the Ford Pinto in the parking lot.

Although the postcards reads "Tanforan Shopping Center," I've always known this mall as "Tanforan Park," complete with signage that showed a horse in motion. An homage to the racetrack that this mall replaced. Of course, after the recent remodel, the mall is now known as "The Shops at Tanforan." Most people just refer to it as "Tanforan Mall."

The back of the postcard reads "Tanforan Shopping Center, San Bruno, Calif. Located at El Camino Real and Sneath Lane." Guess they didn't have much to say.

The exterior is little changed. Sears has a new sign, the giant JCP on the JC Penney is gone, but the "JC Penney" on the front of the department store is still there.

The site of the cinema on the front of the mall is noticeably absent, can any of our mall buff's out there tell us more? Of course, I don't mean the new Century Theatres, but the Tanforan Cinemas IV that originally inhabited the mall.

Another question is the Emporium in the rear of the mall. Although the angle of the camera may be concealing the department store, the Emporium's height should be visible. Was this an addition, too?

Please share your memories here!
Scott

See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Tanforan Mall.

Solano Mall Redux - Vintage Directory

Okay, back by popular demand. Here is a vintage mall directory, probably 1985, of Solano Mall in Fairfield.

The directory shows Sears in its original location and the original configuration of the mall around Sears. That entrance was re-constructed when Sears moved to the space formerly occupied by Emporim-Capwell, and Edwards Cinema joined the mall.

Enjoy the vintage list of stores, such as Chess King and Chick-Fil-A.

Does anyone know why the mall appears to have expected Macy's to build a wider store? I know it's usual for department stores to secure additional area for expansion, but I'm not sure if it applies here.

Also, from the aerial, it looks like the mall section around Macy's and Edwards Cinema is different from the rest of the mall. In fact, the directory shows corridors at the point the building changes shape (such as, becoming narrower). Was that an addition?
Thanks,
Scott

Vintage Postcards - Solano Mall

This postcard shows Solano Mall, now Westfield Solano, probably about the year of opening in 1981. The mall originally had 3 anchors, JC Penney, Mervyn's,and Sears. In subsequent years, Macy's and Emporium-Capwell joined the mall. When Macy's bought Emporium-Capwell, instead of converting it to a Macy's Mens Store, like many other locations, they simply shuttered the store. Later, Sears moved from one end of the mall to the space formerly occupied by Emporium-Capwell. The old Sears location was replaced by Best Buy on the lower level of the mall, and Edwards Cinema on the upper level. The theater was one of the first new cinemas to debut in a mall in a long time. By this time, most malls had abandoned the entertainment concept, instead focusing on fashion retailers. Since the Macy's purchase of Emporium started the decline of fashion-oriented anchor stores, Solano Mall was taking a risk with a theater. Since that time, a cinema has almost become the preferred anchor in new shopping centers (mostly, lifestyle centers). Considering the perceived popularity of the Edwards Cinema, clearly it has paid off for Solano Mall.

Since this postcard was taken, Westfied bought the mall and made some minor renovations. Notably, the hand railings were painted a neutral color, and the triangular light covers in the ceiling were changed to white. The floor and ceiling colors still are white, which seems to have a longer appeal than some of the more colorful malls in the Bay Area region.

The back of the postcard reads "Solano Mall - Fairfield, California. Showing unique style and skylights, to serve an approximate population of 90,000."

Incidentally, the triangular lighting in the ceiling isn't a skylight at all, just a bank of artificial lighting. However, there is a thin strip of real skylights running the length of the mall, also encircling the triangular "skylights."

Please share your memories of Solano Mall here.

Scott

See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Solano Mall.

Kaiser Center Mall

This vintage newspaper clipping is from August 3, 1966. This little piece of history not only has an article about Grodins opening a new location in the Kaiser Center Mall in Oakland, but there also is an advertisement for Dorothy's also opening in Kaiser Center, too.
According to the article, Grodins will be the first major store to open in downtown Oakland since 1960.
I'm fairly certain this shopping center is no more. The building is still there, but there is no trace of a shopping center.
This is one mall that I have absolutely no memories. I hope someone out there in blog-land can shed some light or share their memories!
Scott

Reference
Oakland Tribune (1966, August 3). Grodins to Open in Kaiser Center Mall. Retrieved November 1, 2007, from http://www.genealogybank.com/

Embarcadero Center

Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, for some, isn't considered a mall since it lacks a traditional layout and department stores. However, its three levels of mid-to-upscale shops and scores of eateries situated at the bases of four skyscrapers certainly qualifies Embarcadero Center as a shopping destination.

With a location in downtown San Francisco, closest to the waterfront, the crowds frequent Embarcadero Center during the weekdays. After hours and during weekends, you can find yourself almost alone, which allows you take pictures, enjoy the scenery, or notice the architectural details.

An art lovers dream, you'll find a number of interesting artwork, including John C. Portman Jr's "Orchid" (visible in the first and fourth pictures). Mr. Portman Jr. is also the very talented architect of the Embarcadero Center. There is a self-guided tour of the public art collection and it is worth a look.

For stores, Embarcadero Center is like many other malls. Although, you'll find a number of restaurants found nowhere else (please, expand your horizons outside of Chevy's!).

Enjoy!
Scott

See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Embarcadero Center.

Vintage Advertisement: Roos/Atkins

Every now and then I run into a vintage ad for a store or shopping center of interest that I can't resist posting. This one is for Roos/Atkins, a San-Francisco-based retailer of clothing. The ad is from August 11, 1966 in the Oakland Tribune.

Roos/Atkins was formed by the merger of Robert S. Atkins and Roos Brothers clothiers in 1957. The chain declined in the Eighties, only to disappear entirely by the early Nineties. During its heyday, Roos/Atkins had 51 stores and would be found in every desirable shopping location.

If you have any memories of Roos/Atkins, I invite you to share them here.

Elk Grove Mall Starts Construction

September 18, 2007 marked the official start of construction for the new Elk Grove Promenade mall. This 1.1 million square foot mall will feature Macy's, Barnes & Noble, and a 16-screen Cinemark cinema.

Continuing the trend of outdoor lifestyle malls, Elk Grove Promenade will be open air and without any roofs. A street will wind through the middle of the center to emulate driving through an idyllic main street.

General Growth Properties (GGP), the owner and developer of the mall, is in agreement with the city of Elk Grove to open the mall before March 2009. However, GGP expects to open the mall before the holiday season in 2008.

Elk Grove Promenade is being constructed on 107 acres at the interchange of Hwy 99 and Grant Line Road.

The mall is expected to generate $3.6 million in annual sales tax revenue during its first year of operation.

The southern Sacramento region has been without a mall since the closure of Florin Mall in 2006.

Elk Grove Promenade is expected to effect sales at the Westfield Downtown Plaza. Westfield has been fighting the construction of a new mall in the region for years. This new mall could start a war in a fight for shoppers.

For more information on Elk Grove Promenade.

For the full article on the mall construction.

Vintage Postcards: Fresno Fashion Fair Mall

Although I typically don't cover Fresno, who could resist the temptation of this beautiful post card? The dark and moody mall with unique lighting and large clock.

The back of the card reads "Center of the Valley. The beautiful Fresno Fashion Fair Mall, controlled temperature the year round. Over 60 shops open 7 days a week to serve shoppers." In Fresno, "controlled temperature" is a good thing, trust me on that. Even today, the weatherman said it's going to be 'Fresno hot.'

Who wouldn't love the ubiquitous Jarman in the background. Even a speck of a See's Candies on the left.

This is one of the earlier malls in the region, although many newer malls have since sprung up. Fresno is also home to the unique Fulton Mall, a street turned pedestrian-only in 1964.

Enjoy!

See the current aerial.

Visit the current Website for Fashion Fair Mall.

Vintage Postcards: Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek

Here's a pre-1960 gem showing the famed Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Pictured is the glorious sign and view down Broadway.

The back of the card reads "Broadway Shopping Center. This view shows only a portion of this rapidly expanding business district. The city is situated in the shadow of famed Mt. Diablo and has grown in less than a score of years from a peaceful farming area to a friendly bustling shipping center. Predictions have the county population to half a million by 1960 and over a million by 1990." I wonder if they meant "shipping center"? Their population estimates were close. In 1990, Contra Costa County had 803,732 people. In 2005, Contra Costa County had 1,023,400 people.

I love the giant oak tree in the background of the picture on the right. The ancient tree, since felled, is now the home of Il Fornaio restaurant in the Broadway Pointe shopping center.

The hip sign would look good today, perhaps with an updated stand. Nevertheless, you won't find any such sign this size there today. Perhaps due to a strict sign ordinance.

Enjoy!

See the current aerial.

Visit my review of Broadway Plaza.

Peachy Keen-o Hilltop Mall

Early promotional literature for Hilltop Mall in Richomnd, California. A Tauban center, this mall was built after Eastridge in San Jose and before Stoneridge in Pleasanton. Many Taubman-esque features are evident. Keeping with the style of the time, you'll find eye-catching red carpet and a groovy circular walkway. Clearly this literature was printed just after the mall opened in 1976.
The state-of-the-art mall ramp was topped by a sculpture that looks to be from artist Charles O. Perry (similar to Stoneridge Mall). Although Charles O Perry doesn't seem to lay claim to this scultpture on his Website.
In a contrast to moody browns of the early Seventies, Hilltop mall featured futuristic trends in color choices. As was popular in the late seventies, you'll find the basics: black, white, and any primary color. Anyone remember the cover art for the B-52's album, "The B-52's"? Although the stores in the background, Naturalizer, Crescent Jewelers, and Kushins Shoes, stayed with "safe" colors, change out the center court carpet and the mall would still appear modern and tasteful right now in 2007.

Fast forward to 2007! Interject your skills and spot the differences that twenty years brings. Besides, the carpet color changing, store changes, and the addition of Sears, of course.
Both photographs are courtesy of the Grand Poobah of mallrat-dom, Dean Lundstrom. Many thanks to you, Dean!
Scott

Read my guide to Hilltop Mall.

See the aerial view.

All Roads Lead to Oakland

This advertisement of interest is from the H. C. Capwell Company, celebrating the opening of the Carquinez Bridge in May of 1927.
The advertisement extols the virtues of the "six great highways" delivering traffic across the new bridge to Oakland; bringing in new shoppers from all over. The six great highways include the Pacific Highway, Redwood Highway, Lincoln Highway, Victory Highway, the coast road, and the Ridge road.
Of additional interest is the notice of merger between Capwell's and the Emporium to give Oakland "its greatest store." The combined name "Emporium Capwell" didn't come into use until 1979. Although, in 1990, "Capwell" was dropped in favor of just "Emporium."
In the advertisement, they go on to announce a new store to be constructed at 20th and Broadway in downtown Oakland, which is the current location of Sears.
Enjoy!
Scott

Alameda Towne Center Remodeling on Track

I visited Alameda Towne Center ("centre") this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised. Field Paoli, the redevelopment architectural firm, never fails to disappoint. Although the remodel isn't completed yet, the completed parts are stunning. Tasteful building materials, superb landscaping, and unusual mall art all complement the contemporary styling of the mall.

Many big-box retailers have or are moving into the mall, including Borders Books, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Old Navy join an existing line up that includes Mervyn's, Trader Joe's and Super Safeway. Many of the inner mall spaces haven't been leased and there aren't many inline stores, yet. Although, you can still find a number of stores that are surviving the remodel.

When it's complete, this gem will certainly be an asset to the Alameda island tax base. A Target store wants to build a store, but local residents, fearing additional traffic, are fighting it. The area between Berkeley and San Leandro is a Target void. It seems almost unnatural for the area to not have one. We shall see how this plays out.

Read my guide to Alameda Towne Center

See the Outdated aerial view.