Simi Valley Town Center

Simi Valley Town Center. It is a major open-air regional shopping center located in Simi Valley, California, serving the Ventura County region. Developed by the Forbes Company and opened in 2005, the center transformed a significant parcel of former ranch land into a central retail and social hub. Its design and tenant mix were strategically planned to serve the growing communities of the Simi Valley and surrounding areas like Moorpark and Thousand Oaks.

History

The site was historically part of the Strathearn Ranch, a landmark property in the Simi Valley area with roots in the region's Spanish land grant era. In the late 1990s, the Forbes Company acquired the property with a vision to create a premier lifestyle center, a format gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional enclosed shopping malls. Construction began in the early 2000s, with the grand opening held in October 2005, featuring anchors Macy's and Robinsons-May. Following the consolidation of the May Department Stores Company, the Robinsons-May location was rebranded as a second Macy's. The center's development coincided with significant residential growth in the West Hills and Santa Susana Mountains corridor, cementing its role in the community.

Description and features

The center is designed as a lifestyle center, featuring open-air pedestrian promenades, landscaped plazas, and architectural elements reminiscent of a Mission Revival style, nodding to the area's California heritage. Major anchor tenants include Macy's, JCPenney, and a Regal Cinemas multiplex theater. A diverse mix of over 120 specialty retailers and restaurants ranges from popular brands like H&M, Sephora, and Apple Store to dining options such as The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen. The layout includes a central "Town Square" used for community events, seasonal attractions like ice skating rinks, and concerts, fostering its identity as a social destination beyond mere retail.

Economic impact

Upon opening, the center immediately became one of the largest generators of sales tax revenue for the City of Simi Valley, significantly bolstering the municipal budget. It created thousands of permanent jobs in retail, hospitality, and security, employing residents from across Ventura County and the San Fernando Valley. The center's success has spurred complementary commercial development along the adjacent Madera Road and First Street corridors, including new banks, auto dealerships, and fast casual restaurants. Its presence helped shift a portion of local consumer spending from neighboring retail hubs like The Oaks (shopping mall) in Thousand Oaks and the Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, retaining capital within the Simi Valley economy.

Management and ownership

The Forbes Company managed the property following its development and initial lease-up. In a significant portfolio transaction in 2015, the center was acquired by Kite Realty Group, a REIT based in Indianapolis. Day-to-day management, leasing, and marketing operations are handled by the Kite Realty Group asset management team. The ownership works in coordination with the Simi Valley City Council and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce on initiatives related to public safety, maintenance of surrounding infrastructure, and promotional events. Security is provided through a contracted service in partnership with the Simi Valley Police Department.

Future developments

Ownership has explored plans to enhance the property's mixed-use potential, including proposals for adding Class A office space or multi-family residential units on peripheral parcels. There is ongoing tenant repositioning to adapt to the evolving retail landscape, with a focus on increasing experiential and dining offerings. Long-term visions may include further integration with the city's Simi Valley Transit system and improved connectivity to the nearby Simi Valley Metrolink station to promote alternative transportation. These potential developments aim to ensure the center remains competitive against e-commerce and other retail destinations in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Category:Shopping malls in Ventura County, California Category:Buildings and structures in Simi Valley, California Category:2005 establishments in California