Guide to Southland Mall

BIGMallrat's Editorial Review

Southland Mall in Hayward, the Bay Area's first enclosed shopping center, has been an East Bay institution since 1964; its arched sign adorning the Nimitz freeway for as long as anyone can remember (the sign has since been replaced).

Atmosphere

Southland Mall's interior is marked with tall ceilings. Look carefully and you can see where the mall was expanded in 1972 (hint: the skylight layout changes). We had difficulty assessing the architectural appearance of this shopping center since it was far from chic, but definitely not dated. It was just plain, white, and unassuming; certainly nothing to cause it to appear dated. But, it had zero pizzazz.

The single-level floor plan is a welcome departure from the other two-level superregional centers in the region. Okay, the food court is actually considered level two, but most of this mall is one level (the food court was added downstairs in 1985).

Stores

You'll find a large selection of mid-range stores, typical of many other shopping centers. Many shops are larger than average and have extensive selections.

A Sears Outlet Store is located adjacent to Sears outside. Don't miss the appliance deals.

Food

Downstairs, under JC Penney, a large food court offers a fine array of eateries.

Location

Southland Mall is conveniently located in Hayward off I-880 at Winton in Hayward. You can see it from the freeway.

History

Originally conceived as Palma Ceia Shopping Center by local developer, A. L. Branden, a sprawling open-air shopping center with Sears and Oakland-based Kahn's department store was planned adjacent to the Eastshore Freeway. Sears opened a store in 1958. Later, the land was sold to A. Alfred Taubman and two other investors. The famous John Graham & Associations, architects of the Seattle Space Needle, were hired to design an enclosed shopping center. Renamed Southland Mall, it opened with Penney's, Woolworth, and 165,000 sq. ft. of enclosed retail connected to the existing Sears in 1964. It featured plantings, fountains, a sculpture, a waterfall with bridged brook, and a ceiling-high aviary. In 1972 came Liberty House and the final expansion.

Stats

Stores: 140

Type: Superregional center

Enclosed: Yes

GLA: 119,342.409 m2 (1,284,591 sq. ft.)

Levels: 2 (Only food court downstairs)

Developer: A. L. Branden/A. Alfred Taubman (later, Bayshore Properties)

Architect: John Graham and Company

Owner: General Growth Properties

Management Company: General Growth Properties

Grand Openings: 1958 (Sears); 1961 (convenience center); 1964 (mall and JC Penney); Jul. 30, 1972 (Phase IV expansion and Liberty House); 1983 (Emporium-Capwell); 1995 (Mervyn's); 1996 (Macy's); Sep. 30, 2009 (Kohl's)

Anchor Closures: 1983 (Liberty House); 1996 (Emporium-Capwell); Dec. 2008 (Mervyn's)

Renovated: 1985

Ratings

Size: Large

Architectural Appearance: Average (-0.5)

Cleanliness: Average: (-0.5)

Occupancy: Average (-0.5)

Stores: Mainstream/those found at most malls (-0.5)

Store Quality: Standard (-0.5)

Parking: Average (-0.5)

Location: Very convenient

Services: Website, information booth, directories, community room, copy/fax service, gift cards, postage service, safety escorts, stroller rental, wheelchair service.

Uniqueness: Nice, but nothing to write home about (-0.5)

See our rating scheme

Last Visit: June 2011

Last Update: July 2011

Photographs

View towards Sears:

View of the food court:

View from Macy's:

Map and Directions

View Larger Map

Click marker for driving directions.