BIGMallrat

Set on a portion of the historic Rancho San Pablo, El Cerrito Plaza and Capwell's department store opened on July 9, 1958. The Plaza was developed by the Albert-Lovett Company and the Emporiun-Capwell Company.  This advertisement from the Oakland Tribune invites the public to come shop the largest store in Contra Costa County. The 2-level Capwell's store cost $6,000,000 and was 232,000 square feet of spacious aisles and modernistic fixtures. The exterior of the store was equally modern with its blue and brown tile. At the time, Capwell's El Cerrito was the fourth store in the chain, with other locations in Oakland (downtown), Walnut Creek (Broadway Plaza), and Hayward (downtown). De-malling After Capwell''s closed in 1996, the mall went into serious decline. In 2002, Capwell's was demolished and the shopping center de-malled. Although the renovation was described by urban designers as "dysfunctional and dull," today it operates as a thrivin...

Once a vibrant shopping hub in the heart of downtown Sacramento, Downtown Plaza began its heyday in 1993. With a goal of duplicating the success of San Diego's Horton Plaza, developer Ernest Hahn breathed new life into the struggling K Street corridor, transforming it into a 1.2 million square foot retail destination. A signature steel-framed rotunda anchored the design, once hosting dazzling nighttime laser shows that lit up the city skyline. At its peak, the mall housed major flagship stores, including the region's largest Macy's, complete with separate Men's and Furniture locations. Yet over time, cracks began to show. Retail giants such as Banana Republic pulled out, and the eastern wing fell into near-total vacancy, even as the western side maintained a degree of foot traffic. The mall’s architecture, while ambitious, worked against it. The interplay between bright sunlight and shaded overhangs created visibility issues for storefronts, discouraging window shopp...

Serving the San Jose area since 1961, Westgate Mall in San Jose is a small mall that seems to defy the odds. Believe it or not, it was once the second-largest shopping center in San Jose. Malls this size around the country are either failing or struggling. However, Westgate Mall seems to be thriving. Unusual for malls these days, but common yesteryear, is the connection this mall has to the community. You can still get your hair done at Annette's Silhouettes, get your teeth cleaned at Westgate Dental, then head to Razzberry Lips for a makeover party for the girls. Local independent stores, once a thing of the past in a mall, perhaps a trend for the future? As a regional draw, Nordstrom Rack, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross Dress for Less, and Barnes and Noble Bookstore. A little something for everyone. Saving the best for last... this mall is rarely crowded. One can walk around without being molested by Dead Sea Salt hawkers or hoards of people. Westgate Mall is easy to get into ...