Coddingtown Mall isn’t just the oldest shopping center in Santa Rosa — it’s a living timeline of how retail has evolved in Northern California. From its mid-century roots to its modern-day community focus, the mall has remained a constant in a changing landscape. And yes, that giant rotating sign out front is still spinning, still iconic, and still guiding drivers off Highway 101.
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| The landmark rotating sign outside Coddingtown Mall is still there — still spinning, still bright, and still one of Santa Rosa’s most iconic sights. |
1960s – the beginning
Coddingtown celebrated its grand opening on November 29, 1962, It was a bold new shopping destination developed by local legend Hugh Codding, whose name the mall still bears. It began as an open-air shopping center with just thirteen businesses — among them, Lucky supermarket, Thrifty Drugstore (where you could get aspirin or ice cream for a nickel), and a few local staples like a bank, travel agency, and barber.
At the time, it was a radical concept: suburban, car-friendly, and relaxed. The abundance of free parking made it even more appealing. And the rotating Coddingtown sign quickly became one of the most recognizable landmarks in Santa Rosa — a mid-century beacon that still stands today.
One of the biggest events was the opening of The Emporium on July 14, 1966. With it came the first escalators in Sonoma county.
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| The Emporium department store at Coddingtown Mall, pictured after its transition to Macy’s in 1996. The Bay Area-based retailer was a staple of California shopping for decades. |
Just a year later, JCPenney opened a new store at the other end of the center, with a grand opening on November 1, 1967. Now with two large anchors, Coddingtown became a regional destination.
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| JCPenney at Coddingtown Mall has been a fixture since 1967 — one of the mall’s longest-standing anchors, still operating today. |
1970s – a retail boom
As the mall grew in popularity, it underwent a major transformation. In 1979, Liberty House joined Coddingtown in a new wing with additional shops. The mall was enclosed, converting the open-air walkways into an indoor promenade. The change brought air conditioning, skylights, and new life to the center — turning it into a year-round destination. By the end of the decade, the mall had over 70 stores and was generating hundreds of millions in annual sales.
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| A 1979 newspaper ad celebrates two major milestones for Coddingtown Mall: the grand opening of Liberty House department store and the mall’s transformation into a fully enclosed shopping center. |
It wasn’t just a place to shop — it was where families came to ride Santa’s sleigh train, enjoy puppet shows, or watch holiday ballets. This decade firmly cemented Coddingtown’s role as a community hub for Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.
1980s – facing new competition
In 1984, department store Liberty House closed and was replaced by Macy’s Clearance Center. Around this time, Santa Rosa Plaza opened downtown, drawing shoppers with new retail energy and urban appeal. Still, Coddingtown retained its loyal following thanks to its easier access, quieter pace, and abundance of parking.
Though the mall was never flashy, it stayed relevant — adapting its mix of tenants and offering a mix of local shops and national brands. The architecture from this period, especially the wood-toned ceilings and bright walkways, continues to reflect the natural, redwood-inspired feel of the region.
1990s – holding steady
While malls across the country were starting to struggle, Coddingtown kept its footing. Even though Emporium-Capwell disappeared in 1996, it was replaced by a full-line Macy’s. At the same time, the Macy's Clearance Center was closed and replaced by a Central Valley staple, Gottschalks.
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| Gottschalks occupied the former Liberty House building at Coddingtown starting in 1996. After the store closed in 2009, the structure was demolished and replaced by Target, which opened in 2014. |
JC Penney remained as a stable anchor, and the mall became known for its calm, unhurried atmosphere. This was the kind of place where you didn’t have to fight for a parking space, and where the layout made it easy to run errands or linger for a meal.
2000s – changing hands, eyeing the future
In 2005, national mall operator Simon Property Group bought a 50% stake in Coddingtown. Their goal was to modernize the center and re-energize the tenant mix. During this time, Gottschalks began to fade. After its closure in 2009, that space was eventually cleared to make way for Target, which opened in 2014 and remains one of the mall’s busiest draws.
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| A 2004 directory of Coddingtown Mall offers a snapshot of the center’s layout and tenant mix in the early 2000s — just before major renovations and anchor changes reshaped the property. |
2010s – revitalization & return to local roots
This decade brought several key upgrades. Whole Foods Market opened in the former Ralphs space, signaling a pivot toward daily-needs retail Nordstrom Rack joined the lineup in 2016, expanding fashion options. Dining also got a boost, with BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse joining Sweet River Grill & Bar and Max Café as sit-down options.
In 2017, Hugh Codding’s original company, Codding Enterprises, repurchased Simon’s 50% stake — returning the mall to full local ownership. This allowed for more community-focused decision-making and a re-centering on what made Coddingtown special to begin with.
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| A 2012 promotional photo generously provided by Coddingtown Mall during a time when interior photography wasn’t permitted. It captures the mall’s atmosphere after major renovations and tenant updates. |
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| A 2012 promotional photo of the children’s play court in front of JC Penney at Coddingtown Mall — part of the mall’s family-friendly features at the time, just after major renovations, |
2020s – community over crowds
Today, Coddingtown remains a quieter, more relaxed alternative to larger regional malls. Anchored by Target, Macy’s, JCPenney, Whole Foods, and Nordstrom Rack, it continues to serve local shoppers with a mix of practical stores and specialty shops.
The mall’s ceiling — inspired by the redwood forests that surround Santa Rosa — is still one of the most beautiful features in any enclosed mall. The wide corridors, subtle elevation changes (a nod to its open-air past), and soft natural lighting make it a pleasant place to walk, shop, and enjoy a slower pace.
There’s no flashy food court here — just scattered eateries and sit-down spots that add to the low-key charm. It’s not trying to compete with the glitz of modern mega-malls. And that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
Quick facts
Opened: 1962
Type: Enclosed Regional Center
Total Stores: More than 40
GLA (Gross Leasable Area): 822,000~ sq. ft.
Major Anchors: Macy's JCPenney, Target, Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack
Developer: Hugh Codding
Final thoughts
Coddingtown Mall is more than a shopping center — it’s part of Santa Rosa’s DNA. It has evolved through six decades of economic shifts, ownership changes, and retail trends without losing its sense of place. Whether you're stopping by Whole Foods, meeting friends at BJ’s, or just admiring the architecture, Coddingtown still feels like a local institution— one that reflects the soul of the community it serves.
And if you’re ever lost? Just look for that rotating sign.
Related posts
- Lost department stores: Emporium-Capwell (1896—1996)
- Lost department stores: Gottschalks (1904—2009)
- Lost department stores: Liberty House (1971—1987)
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