BIGMallrat | Retail history of Northern California

Before it became Eastmont Town Center, Eastmont Mall was one of East Oakland's largest shopping destinations. Built on the site of a former Chevrolet assembly plant, the center evolved from a neighborhood shopping center into a two-level enclosed mall anchored by JCPenney and Mervyn's. From a November 1970 Oakland Tribune ad—a celebration for the opening of the new enclosed two-story mall, when the shopping center went from serving the community to the region. Like many American malls, Eastmont eventually lost its department stores and struggled as retail patterns changed. But unlike many of its contemporaries, it was neither demolished nor redeveloped as housing or mixed-use retail. Instead, Eastmont gradually transformed into a center for government services, healthcare, public safety, and community programs. Annotated Apple Maps view of Oakland showing the location of Eastmont Mall, positioned off 73rd and Foothill. From strip center to enclosed mall: 1966–1970 The devel...

Hilltop Mall opened in September 1976 in Richmond, California. It was another major Bay Area project by architect Avner Naggar, who also designed Eastridge Mall in San Jose (1971) and Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton (1980). Built by the Taubman Company, Hilltop's 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 One of Hilltop’s most iconic features was its dramatic circular ramp connecting the mall’s two main levels. Unlike many 1970s malls that relied on earth tones and natural materials, Hilltop Mall embraced bold reds, blacks, whites, and blues. The result was a distinctly modern interior that stood out among Bay Area shopping centers. Atop the spiral ramp was a geometric metal sculpture. The sculpture bore a strong resemblance to works by Charles O. Perry, whose large-scale geometric sculptures appeared i...