Lost malls of the Bay Area: Westlake Shopping Center Daly City — from mid-century mall to modern marketplace

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 dream

Westlake Shopping Center opened in 1951, part of the visionary Westlake master-planned community developed by Henry Doelger. Built adjacent to the neighborhoods of ranch-style homes and curving streets, the center was one of the earliest large-scale suburban shopping complexes in California. With its original tenants including JC Penney, Safeway, and local boutiques, Westlake was designed for convenience, modernity, and community.

Architecturally, it embraced the era’s optimism—clean lines, modern signage, and a pedestrian-focused layout. For decades, it served not only as a retail hub, but also as a social anchor for Daly City’s growing postwar population.

Original layout of Westlake Shopping Center before its early 2000s redevelopment—featuring a pedestrian-focused walkway and traditional anchor stores.

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 JC Penney 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.

Westlake Shopping Center’s storefronts under renovation in 2005, part of Kimco Realty’s large-scale redevelopment effort.

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.

Aging facades receive a modern update as part of Westlake’s transition from mall to open-air shopping center.

New palm trees and landscaping bring a California-modern feel to the redeveloped areas of Westlake Shopping Center.

Redevelopment underway

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.

Post-renovation site plan of Westlake Shopping Center, with a new street-driven layout replacing the enclosed mall structure.

The redevelopment includes a shift to open-air retail, more cohesive landscaping, updated signage, and a mix of anchor tenants like

• Home Depot

• Trader Joe’s

• Safeway

• Burlington Coat Factory

• Cost Plus World Market

• Walgreens

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 JC Penney and 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 of the Bay Area: the original Stonestown Mall (1952—1987)
• Mall memories: Tanforan Park Mall San Bruno — last stop on the infamous three malls in three hours whirlwind