BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
Southland Mall in Hayward has been an East Bay
tradition 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 1975 (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.
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.
Crime Alert
Although every shopping center is a magnet
for crime,
we here at BIGMallrat feel it our duty to inform readers that two
homicides have occured at Southland Mall in 2008
(one
in
May,
a second
in August). Both homicides were NOT a random
act and should be considered an isolated event.
History
Originally developed by The Taubman Company,
Southland Mall opened with Penney's, Woolworth, and 165,000 sq.
ft. of enclosed retail connected to a pre-existing Sears. 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.
When Liberty House closed in 1983,
it was replaced by Emporium-Capwell. Mervyn's added a store later.
When Woolworth's closed, it was replaced by Old Navy.
In 1996, Macy's replaced Emporium-Capwell. December 2008, Mervyn's
closed.
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