BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
 Sunnyvale
Town Center has been closed. However,
Target and Macy's are still open for business and there is plenty
of parking.
March 2007 update
The property was sold, again. Forum
Properties has sold the mall to San Mateo-based Sandhill Property
Company and
RREEF. A new redevelopment plan awaits.
December 2005 update
The parking garage that obstructed the view of the mall is now demolished.
It's the first time you can see the front of the center since it
was built. Already, an improvement. However, no other construction
is occuring.
April 2005 update
Well, nothing is happening at Sunnyvale Town
Center. Now just a "dead" mall, we are waiting for something
to happen. Read on.
February 2005 update
Things aren't looking so good for this mall.
The lender, Lehman Bros., has foreclosed on Forum Development Corp.,
and the future of the mall is in doubt. Currently, Lehman Bros. and
the City of Sunnyvale are shopping for a new developer. For the full
story, click here.
Old review
Despite three good department stores, this mall
is all but dead. Entire corridors are completely devoid of any stores.
Most are are concentrated between Macy's and Target. The overall
design is dark, with brown tile and poor lighting. A clever atrium
in the middle gives the allusion of a serene locale, however,you
don't need to go outside for some peace and quiet. It's clear competition
from the successful Westfield
Valley Fair has made a significant dent in sales. However, hope
is on the way.
Parking
A recent trip with a South Bay native pointed
out that she hardly knew a mall was there because you couldn't see
it. A big, ugly, parking garage hides the mall from its main entrance
on Matilda. Big mistake that was.
Location
One impediment of Sunnyvale Town Center is the
lack of decent access. Downtown Sunnyvale, which I didn't know existed,
is in the middle of nowhere. Many signs on Matilda point towards "Downtown
Shopping," but it isn't enough.
Although the numerous expressways cross-crossing
Santa Clara Valley might be enough for Silicon Valley residents,
it might be discouraging to out-of-towners.
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