Monday, September 24, 2007

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.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

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.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

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.