BIGMallrat | lost malls, department stores, and Bay Area retail history

When NewPark Mall opened its doors on August 6, 1980, it felt like the dawn of a new shopping era for the East Bay. Developed by Homart Development Company (a division of Sears) and Calmart (from Macy’s), the mall debuted with Macy’s and Sears as its original anchors. It wasn’t long before NewPark grew: Mervyn’s and a brand-new wing arrived on October 18, 1985, relocating from Fremont. Emporium-Capwell followed on February 7, 1987, also from Fremont. And finally, JCPenney joined the lineup on November 6, 1991, rounding out NewPark’s status as a full-fledged regional shopping center. A newspaper ad announcing the grand opening of NewPark Mall on August 6, 1980, featuring Macy’s and Sears. A tale of two malls NewPark always reminded me of Stoneridge Mall’s fraternal twin—the two centers opened just a few weeks apart in 1980. While Stoneridge exuded a bright, sleek elegance with its white-on-white palette and blue accents, NewPark embraced 1980s earth tones: deep browns, muted ta...