Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica Place. It is a prominent open-air shopping center located at the southern terminus of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. Originally an enclosed mall designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, it underwent a massive redevelopment in 2010 that transformed it into a modern retail destination with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The center is anchored by Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and a food hall operated by The Cheesecake Factory, serving as a key component of the city's downtown economy and tourist appeal.

History

The site was historically part of the Southern Pacific Railroad yards before redevelopment. In the late 1970s, The Rouse Company, famous for projects like Faneuil Hall Marketplace and South Street Seaport, developed the property. The mall opened in 1980 with anchors The Broadway and J. W. Robinson's, becoming a major retail hub for the Westside. Its initial design was a collaboration between Gehry and Jon Jerde, though Gehry's original vision was significantly altered during construction. For decades, it competed with other regional centers like Westfield Century City and Beverly Center. By the early 2000s, facing declining fortunes common to many enclosed malls, the property was acquired by Macerich, which spearheaded its comprehensive reimagining.

Design and architecture

The original 1980 structure was an early, unconventional work by Frank Gehry, featuring his signature use of commonplace materials like chain-link fence and asphalt. The interior notably included a central atrium with a monumental sculpture, "Santa Monica Pairs," by Tony Berlant. The 2008-2010 redevelopment, led by architectural firm The Jerde Partnership and design office Buro Happold, completely deconstructed the enclosed format. The new design created an open-air, three-level complex with rooftop dining decks, walkways connecting to the Third Street Promenade, and sustainable features seeking LEED certification. Key aesthetic elements include extensive use of glass, steel, and wood, maximizing sightlines to Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Mountains.

Tenants and amenities

The center houses approximately 75 stores, blending high-end retailers with popular contemporary brands. Major anchors include Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, which both feature multi-level flagship stores. The dining terrace is a significant attraction, hosting the Cheesecake Factory-managed food hall alongside restaurants like Mendocino Farms and Lemonade. Other notable tenants have included Microsoft Store, Kitson, and Ted Baker London. The property provides direct pedestrian access to Palisades Park, the Santa Monica Beach, and the adjacent Exposition Line light rail station, facilitating connectivity across the Los Angeles County transit network.

Redevelopment and renovations

The decision to redevelop was driven by the underperformance of the enclosed mall model and the success of the adjacent Third Street Promenade. Macerich closed the property in 2008 for a $265 million transformation, one of the largest private redevelopment projects in Santa Monica history. The project involved demolishing the interior and roof while preserving and reinforcing the original structural frame. Post-reopening in August 2010, it won awards from the International Council of Shopping Centers. Subsequent updates have included refreshing tenant mixes, enhancing the dining plaza, and integrating public art installations. The evolution mirrors broader trends in urban planning seen in projects like The Grove at Farmers Market and Pacific City.

Management and ownership

The mall is currently owned and managed by Macerich, a S&P 400 company specializing in retail properties across the United States, including Tysons Corner Center and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Macerich acquired the property from The Rouse Company in 1999, prior to Rouse's acquisition by General Growth Properties. Day-to-day operations and leasing are handled by Macerich's regional management team. The center's performance is closely tied to the economic health of Santa Monica and tourism trends, with the city's Santa Monica City Council and Santa Monica Planning Division playing ongoing roles in its regulatory oversight and integration into the downtown specific plan.

Category:Shopping malls in California Category:Santa Monica, California Category:Buildings and structures in Los Angeles County, California