Demolition of Historic Valley Plaza Mall Begins in North Hollywood
The iconic Valley Plaza mall in North Hollywood, a once-vibrant shopping center that opened in 1951, is facing demolition after years of decline and neglect. The mall, which was among the first and largest open-air shopping malls on the West Coast, has been a subject of concern for local residents and business owners due to its vacant buildings and parking lots. David Udoff, a 67-year-old former North Hollywood and Toluca Lake resident, fondly remembers visiting the mall with his family in the 1960s, where they would shop at Sears, a bakery, and dine at Schaber’s Cafeteria.
The mall’s decline began with the rise of big-box retail and competition from newer malls in the area. Economic strife in the 1990s and damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake also contributed to its downfall. In recent years, the mall has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, showcasing its grimy and boarded-up state. According to Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., the mall’s deterioration has been “sad” to watch, and he expects the property to be redeveloped into a mixed-use commercial and residential space.
A Rich History and Cultural Significance
Valley Plaza was more than just a shopping center; it was a cultural hub that hosted events and attracted thousands of people. In 1960, John F. Kennedy visited the mall during his presidential campaign, drawing large crowds. The mall’s design, which featured building entrances facing large rear parking lots instead of streets and sidewalks, was an early example of how retail spaces could be oriented to prioritize vehicle access. According to the Los Angeles Conservancy, this design was influential in the development of suburban shopping centers.
The mall’s historic significance is not lost on local residents and business owners. Jack McGrath, a former president of the Studio City Chamber of Commerce, described the mall as “our stomping ground” and recalled the excitement of seeing Kennedy speak at the mall. The mall’s iconic 12-story tower, which will be spared from demolition, is among the first skyscrapers built in Los Angeles and holds a special place in the city’s history.
Redevelopment Plans and Challenges
The demolition of the mall is a significant step towards redeveloping the property, but challenges lie ahead. Fred Gaines, an attorney for Charles Co., the real estate and development firm that owns the property, stated that there is no specific redevelopment plan in place yet. The company is waiting to see how the city addresses homelessness encampments in the area before moving forward with development plans. Waldman warned that building in Los Angeles can be difficult and expensive, and he hopes that someone will take a chance on redeveloping the property into something that will benefit the community.
David Udoff, who now lives in South Florida, has been following the developments and hopes that the property will be redeveloped into a cultural center or subsidized affordable housing. He wrote a letter to Mayor Karen Bass’s office in August, urging the city to help steer development of the property into something that will benefit the community. As the demolition of Valley Plaza continues, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this historic site.
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