BIGMallrat | lost malls, department stores, and Bay Area retail history

Welcome to a rare glimpse at early promotional literature from Hilltop Mall in Richmond, California—a Taubman-developed shopping center that captured the futuristic spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Built after Eastridge Mall in San Jose (1971) and just before Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton (1980), Hilltop opened in September 1976, becoming one of the Bay Area’s most visually distinct malls. Built by the Taubman Company and designed by Avner Naggar, its signature architectural flourishes echoed trends seen across the company’s national portfolio: bold color choices, sculptural elements, and walkable, multi-level interiors. Signature style: circular walkways & red carpet drama One of Hilltop’s most iconic features was its dramatic circular ramp connecting the mall’s two main levels—shown prominently in this 1980s promotional photograph: Promotional image of Hilltop Mall in Richmond from the mid-1980s, featuring its signature circular ramp and striking red carpet—an era whe...

Before it became Eastmont Town Center, it was known as Eastmont Mall—a major community hub in East Oakland. Developed on the site of a former Chevrolet assembly plant at 73rd Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, Eastmont evolved over the years from a simple neighborhood shopping center to a full-fledged, multi-level mall. From strip center to enclosed mall: 1966–1970 The development of Eastmont Mall occurred in three phases between 1966 and 1970, led by Irvin J. Kahn and designed by the Los Angeles-based architectural firm Burke, Kober, Nicholais, and Archuleta. May 18, 1966– The first phase opened as a convenience center, including stores like Safeway, in a typical strip mall layout. 1968 – A secondary wing was added, extending perpendicularly from the original strip, and began resembling more of a traditional mall. November 18, 1970– A two-story enclosed mall officially opened, bringing the total space to 650,000 sq. ft. across two levels. That mall was built to accommodate a s...