If you’re curious about Birdcage Walk shopping center in Citrus Heights, this deep dive into the 1989 vintage directory offers a rare glimpse at the mall’s vibrant past before its de-malling and renaming to The Marketplace at Birdcage. From anchors like Macy’s and Montgomery Ward to unique local shops and memorable features, Birdcage Walk was a beloved open-air shopping destination for the Citrus Heights community.
Thanks to a preserved 1989 directory, we can take a snapshot of the center at a time when it was still thriving in its original form.
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| Front cover of the 1989 Birdcage Walk Shopping Center directory featuring a watercolor illustration of the gazebo and pond, an alphabetical list of store tenants, and a return address section for mailing. |
Birdcage Walk anchors in 1989: Macy’s and Montgomery Ward
In 1989, Birdcage Walk was anchored by two major department stores that drew shoppers from across the Sacramento region:
Montgomery Ward on the north end of the center, which opened in 1973
Macy’s on the south end of the center, which opened in 1979
These anchors created a strong retail foundation for Birdcage Walk’s mix of specialty shops, dining, and entertainment.
1989 Birdcage Walk directory highlights: stores, dining & entertainment
The 1989 directory reveals a diverse lineup of tenants that made Birdcage Walk more than just a mall:
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| Back of the 1989 directory, with a detailed Birdcage Walk mall map and operating hours—capturing the layout of the center before redevelopment altered its design. |
REI– Popular outdoor retailer for hiking, camping, and cycling gear.
Craftmart– Craft supplies and seasonal decor for hobbyists and DIY lovers.
Long’s Drugs– Pharmacy and everyday essentials store.
Corti Brothers Market– Local grocer with a heritage of Italian delicacies.
Cost Plus Imports– Global furniture, home décor, and gifts store.
General Cinema– Movie theater showing family and blockbuster films.
American Recreation– Bowling alley adding fun and nightlife to the shopping center.
Birdcage Wok: the catchy commercials and missing restaurant
One standout memory connected to Birdcage Walk is the local Chinese restaurant Birdcage Wok. Known for its catchy TV jingle—
"Birdcage Wok, Birdcage Wok, let’s all go to Birdcage Wok!"—
many visitors, including myself, were drawn to the center hoping to try it. However, by 1989, Birdcage Wok had already closed its doors, leaving behind only nostalgic memories of its flavorful takeout and dine-in options.
Birdcage Walk’s unique atmosphere and history
As a competitor to the enclosed Sunrise Mall across the street, Birdcage Walk was famous for its open-air layout. The mall featuring brick walkways, lush landscaping, pond, and a central clock tower that created a charming small-town village vibe. One of its early defining features was aviaries filled with live birds (gone by 1984)—these birdcages were eventually donated to the Folsom Zoo but remain a fond memory for Citrus Heights residents.
The mall was more than shopping—it was a community hub where families gathered to shop, dine, watch movies, and bowl. The sounds of chirping birds and bowling pins crashing echoed alongside the bustle of shoppers enjoying the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere.
The transformation of Birdcage Walk after 1989
Though thriving in 1989, Birdcage Walk’s layout and tenant mix changed dramatically in the following years. Redevelopment efforts included plowing a street right through the center, changing its pedestrian flow and breaking up the unified feel that shoppers cherished.
This 1989 directory captures Birdcage Walk at its peak—a vibrant, local favorite and a unique part of Citrus Heights’ retail history.
Related posts
- The history of Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights — shopping icon since 1972
- The history of Macy's in Sacramento and the Central Valley
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