Once a quiet symbol of suburban prosperity, Westlake Shopping Center in Daly City has entered a new chapter—one defined by open-air promenades, national chains, and a distinct shift away from its traditional mall roots. While this redevelopment brings a fresh look and renewed energy, it also marks the end of a uniquely mid-century retail experience.
A mid-century landmark in Daly City
Opened in 1951 as the Westlake Town and Country Center, Westlake was a cornerstone of the ambitious, master-planned Westlake community developed by Henry Doelger. Nestled among curving streets and tidy ranch homes, it stood as one of California’s earliest large-scale suburban shopping centers, built to embody the postwar ideals of convenience, modernity, and community.
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| 1950 newspaper illustration showing the proposed layout for Westlake Shopping Center — a remarkably accurate preview of what would soon rise in Daly City. The design featured covered walkways where classical and semi-classical music played through speakers, shifting in tone to match the mood of the day. |
It wasn’t until 1956 that the center truly came into its own. A $5 million expansion, designed by architect Lloyd Gartner, brought in major national retailers like JCPenney, F. W. Woolworth, Sears (small format), and W. T. Grant, along with roughly 40 new stores housed in a new wing that ran perpendicular to the first set of buildings fronting John Daly Boulevard.
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| 1955 artist’s rendering of the planned Westlake Shopping Center expansion, featuring JCPenney and W. T. Grant at opposite ends — a modernist vision framed by towering palm trees and mid-century optimism. |
Architecturally, Westlake reflected the era’s forward-looking spirit—clean lines, bold signage, sprawling surface parking, and rows of palm trees that lent a touch of California flair. For decades, it served as more than just a place to shop; it was a social and cultural hub for Daly City’s growing postwar population, and a textbook example of mid-century suburban planning brought to life.
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| Original layout of Westlake Shopping Center before its early 2000s redevelopment—featuring a pedestrian-focused walkway and traditional anchor stores. |
2000s redevelopment
After JCPenney closed in 2000, the mall was showing its age. In 2002, Kimco Realty Corp acquired Westlake Shopping Center and began a full-scale redevelopment. Their aim? Modernize the site, increase walkability (in a car-friendly way), and bring in a new slate of national retailers and restaurants.
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| Post-renovation site plan of Westlake Shopping Center, with a new street-driven layout replacing the enclosed mall structure. |
The redevelopment included plowing a street through the middle of the former mall, more retail space, a parking deck, improved landscaping, and a new mix of anchor tenants like:
Home Depot
Trader Joe’s
Safeway
Burlington Coat Factory
Cost Plus World Market
Walgreens
A visit during transition
When I visited in the mid-2000s, Westlake Shopping Center was clearly in flux. The enclosed areas and pedestrian-only walkways were being reshaped—or removed entirely. The old JCPenney building, once a mid-century landmark on the property, had been demolished. In its place? A new Home Depot, shifting the mall’s identity from department store destination to big-box convenience.
A new road was being pushed through the center, replacing the original pedestrian mall with vehicle access. The streetside-facing stores along John Daly Boulevard were thriving, but it was evident many had turned their backs on the mall interior, focusing instead on their new, more visible entrances. It felt, frankly, like the soul of the original design was being paved over—literally.
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| Westlake Shopping Center’s storefronts under renovation in 2005, part of Kimco Realty’s large-scale redevelopment effort. |
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| A new Trader Joe’s opens at Westlake Shopping Center in 2005, signaling a shift toward higher-end neighborhood retail after the decline of the traditional mall. |
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| Aging facades receive a modern update as part of Westlake’s transition from mall to open-air shopping center. |
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| New palm trees and landscaping bring a California-modern feel to the redeveloped areas of Westlake Shopping Center. |
A neighborhood in flux
Located in Daly City's Westlake neighborhood, just off I-280 via John Daly Blvd, the center still occupies a prominent spot in the city’s commercial map. Yet, its character is vastly different than it was in its heyday.
The center now totals approximately 620,000 square feet across 98 stores. While it has retained high occupancy in many areas, the redevelopment has made it feel less like a town square and more like a collection of adjacent big-box stores.
From landmark to lifestyle center?
The fate of Westlake Shopping Center mirrors many other postwar suburban malls. Once designed for community and foot traffic, they’re now retrofitted for cars, chain dining, and weekend errands. In that way, Westlake is neither failing nor thriving—it’s evolving.
But whether it’s an improvement depends on what you value: the convenience of modern retail or the mid-century charm of a place built for neighbors, not just shoppers.
Quick facts
Opened: 1951
Type: Open-Air Regional Center
Total Stores: 98
GLA (Gross Leasable Area): 620,000 sq. ft.
Major Anchors: Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Home Depot, Burlington Coat Factory
Developer: Henry Doelger
Final thoughts
The Westlake Shopping Center remains an important part of Daly City’s identity. But like the neighborhood around it, it’s no longer what it was in 1951—or even 1991. The loss of the original pedestrian mall may feel like a blow to preservationists, but for many in the area, Westlake’s new version offers convenience and relevance in a changing retail world.
Still, as we look back on its history and original vision, we’re reminded that some shopping centers weren’t just places to spend—they were places to belong.
Related posts:
- Lost malls: the original Stonestown Mall (1952—1987)
- The history of Tanforan Park Mall in San Bruno — last stop on the infamous three malls in three hours whirlwind
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