Hillsdale Shopping Center

Hillsdale Shopping Center
Name	Hillsdale Shopping Center
Location	San Mateo, California, United States
Opening date	1954
Developer	David D. Bohannon
Owner	Brookfield Properties
Number of stores	150+
Floor area	1,200,000 sq ft
Parking	5,500 spaces
Website	hillsdale.com

Hillsdale Shopping Center. Opened in 1954, it is a major regional shopping destination on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo, California. Developed by real estate pioneer David D. Bohannon, the center has undergone significant transformations, evolving from an open-air plaza into a modern, enclosed mall with high-end retailers and dining options. It serves as a central retail hub for communities across San Mateo County and is noted for its architectural integration with the surrounding urban fabric.

History

The development was conceived by David D. Bohannon, a prominent figure in California real estate known for projects like the Serramonte Center. Its 1954 debut featured Macy's and J.C. Penney as original anchors, establishing it as one of the first major suburban shopping centers in the region during the post-World War II economic boom. The initial design followed the open-air, strip-mall format popularized by Victor Gruen, catering to the growing automobile culture and suburban expansion around San Francisco. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it mirrored national retail trends, responding to competition from centers like Stanford Shopping Center and the rise of enclosed malls.

Description and features

Spanning approximately 1.2 million square feet, the property is an enclosed, two-level super-regional mall. Its architectural character blends contemporary materials with landscaped plazas and public art installations, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Key amenities include a diverse food court, valet parking services, and frequent community events such as seasonal festivals and live music performances. The site is integrated with adjacent developments, including the Hillsdale Caltrain station and residential complexes, promoting a mixed-use urban village concept within San Mateo.

Major stores and anchors

The retail mix is anchored by three full-line department stores: Nordstrom, Macy's, and Target. Nordstrom, which opened a flagship location here, is a primary draw for fashion-conscious shoppers, while Macy's maintains a long-standing presence dating to the center's origins. The inclusion of Target added a mass-market dimension to the tenant roster. Other prominent retailers include Apple, Microsoft, Lululemon Athletica, and Madewell, alongside a curated selection of luxury boutiques and specialty shops catering to the affluent demographics of the Peninsula.

Renovations and redevelopment

A landmark transformation occurred in the early 2010s under owner Forest City Enterprises, which embarked on a massive $200+ million redevelopment. This project enclosed the previously open-air sections, added the new Target anchor, and introduced a modernized exterior facade and interior common areas. Further enhancements have focused on elevating the dining and entertainment offerings, with additions like the The Cheesecake Factory and updates to the AMC Theatres multiplex. These efforts were strategically designed to compete with nearby luxury destinations like Westfield Valley Fair and revitalize the property for 21st-century retail.

Management and ownership

The property is currently owned and managed by Brookfield Properties, a global real estate giant that acquired the asset from Forest City Enterprises. Day-to-day operations, leasing, and marketing are handled by the Brookfield Properties retail division, which also oversees other major centers such as Grand Avenue Mall in Milwaukee. The management strategy emphasizes a blend of national anchors, experiential tenants, and community programming to maintain high occupancy rates and foot traffic in a challenging retail climate influenced by the rise of e-commerce.

Transportation and access

It is highly accessible via multiple transit modes, situated directly adjacent to the Hillsdale Caltrain station, providing regional rail service along the San Francisco to San Jose corridor. Major arterial roads including El Camino Real and State Route 82 provide direct automobile access, with connections to U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280 for broader regional travel. An on-site parking structure and numerous surface lots offer approximately 5,500 spaces. The site's planning incorporates pedestrian and bicycle pathways, aligning with San Mateo's transit-oriented development policies.

Category:Shopping malls in California Category:Buildings and structures in San Mateo, California Category:Retail companies established in 1954