Early Development
Developers Broadway-Hale Stores and Gordon L. MacDonald began building the Buenaventura Center (now Pacific View Mall) between 1962 and 1965. The first store, The Broadway, opened in September 1963. Inline stores followed in 1964, including Barker Brothers Furniture, F.W. Woolworth, Kimo’s Polynesian Shop, and a Vons-Shopping Bag Supermarket.
The addition of these early stores set the stage for the mall’s growth and development, making it a key commercial hub for the region. The mall, located in Ventura, CA, originally featured an open-air design aimed at attracting a variety of tenants and shoppers. Over time, the mall covered nearly 1,000,000 square feet of leasable space.
Initial Growth and Structure
In the mid-60s, the Buenaventura Center quickly expanded. The mall, featuring an open-air structure, attracted a mix of retail stores that appealed to the community. Its spacious layout covered almost 1,000,000 square feet, allowing for a diverse range of shops to operate.
Stores like Barker Brothers Furniture and F.W. Woolworth drew steady traffic, contributing to the mall’s bustling atmosphere.
The addition of Kimo’s Polynesian Shop brought a unique flair, while the Vons-Shopping Bag Supermarket served shoppers’ everyday needs.
By November 1965, J.C. Penney’s presence added to the mall’s appeal and enhanced its reputation as a shopping destination.
The open-air design was a defining feature, setting Buenaventura Center apart from other malls of the era. This layout encouraged foot traffic and created a pleasant shopping environment. The mall’s early years were marked by a vibrant mix of retail options, which laid a strong foundation for its future growth.
Retail spaces filled up quickly, and the mall’s variety of stores catered to a wide range of tastes and needs. The initial success of these stores helped establish the mall as a central hub in Ventura, California.
Renovation and Enclosure
In 1983, the mall underwent a major transformation. A Teflon-coated fiberglass enclosure was added, converting the open-air center into a fully enclosed mall. This renovation aimed to modernize the shopping experience and attract more visitors year-round.
During the 1990s, the mall started to show its age. Tenants began moving out, and vacancy rates climbed. The owners, MCA Buenaventura Associates LP, faced challenges in keeping the mall vibrant. They tried to revitalize the space by expanding retail areas and acquiring new anchor stores.
Political Battles and Expansion
In 1995, Pacific View Mall aimed to attract new anchors, Robinsons-May and Sears, from Esplanade Mall in Oxnard. This sparked intense political battles between Oxnard and Ventura. Multiple lawsuits followed, creating a tense atmosphere.
Oxnard opposed the move, fearing economic impact. Ventura saw it as a chance to revitalize the mall. The legal battles delayed negotiations and created uncertainty. The dispute revolved around sales tax agreements and potential financial losses for Oxnard.
Despite the challenges, the mall pressed on. In 1996, The Broadway transitioned to Macy’s. This change aimed to refresh the mall’s offerings. JCPenney relocated to a smaller space in 1999. Robinsons-May took over the old JCPenney location, continuing the mall’s evolution.
Sears also opened a new store in 1999, strengthening the mall’s retail mix. The legal battles and negotiations highlighted the mall’s importance to the local economy. The effort to bring in new anchors underscored the ongoing commitment to keeping the mall vibrant and competitive.
Major Renovation and Rebranding
Macerich purchased the mall in late 1996. This acquisition was part of a $125 million deal, which also included two other shopping centers. Macerich aimed to rejuvenate the aging mall. The project faced delays but moved forward.
By 2001, the mall completed an $89 million renovation. This included two new anchor department stores. The mall rebranded as Pacific View Mall, shedding its old identity. This rebranding aimed to attract a new wave of shoppers and tenants.
The new name, Pacific View Mall, reflected its updated vision. The renovation project represented a fresh start. The mall now featured a more contemporary look and a broader range of retail options. This period marked a major turning point, setting the stage for future developments and continued relevance in the Ventura area.
Modern Changes and New Tenants
In 2007, Pacific View Mall saw new developments. A two-story Target store opened, taking over the vacant Robinsons-May space. This addition brought more foot traffic and revitalized the mall’s north end.
Trader Joe’s opened outside the main mall area, drawing in grocery shoppers. Nearby, Staples, and BevMo! offered more retail variety. Massage Envy Spa added a wellness option that caters to different needs.
24 Hour Fitness moved into the old Barker Brothers furniture store. This new gym attracted fitness enthusiasts and added a dynamic element to the mall’s offerings. The mall’s tenant mix kept evolving, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
Recent Developments and Store Closures
In 2015, Sears Holdings spun off its properties, including the Sears at Pacific View Mall, into Seritage Growth Properties. This move was part of Sears’ restructuring efforts. However, in 2019, Sears announced the closure of this location, which was part of a nationwide plan to shut down 96 stores. The Sears store closed on February 2, 2020.
In late 2019, Forever 21 also announced its closure at Pacific View Mall as part of its plan to close 111 stores nationwide. This store closed in January 2020. These closures marked another period of transition for the mall.
Despite these challenges, Pacific View Mall remains a central shopping destination. Current major tenants include Macy’s, JCPenney, Target, Ross Dress for Less, 24 Hour Fitness, Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret, and Hollister Co. The mall continues to adapt and evolve, maintaining its role in the Ventura retail landscape.
Recent News at Pacific View Mall (2023-2024)
From June 28 to 30, 2024, the X Games returned to Ventura, bringing some of the biggest names in skateboarding, BMX, and Moto X. The event, held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, generated significant excitement and foot traffic in the area, benefiting nearby businesses, including those in the mall.
The mall has launched various sales events to attract shoppers. For instance, from July 10, 2024, to September 3, 2024, Aeropostale is having a Back-to-School sale with 50-70% discounts. These sales are crucial for maintaining the mall’s relevance and drawing in customers during key shopping seasons.
Additionally, the mall’s atmosphere has been a topic of discussion. Reports and observations noted that despite efforts to revitalize the space, the mall still faces challenges with empty halls and stores, a common issue among many American malls today.
This has led to ongoing conversations about the future of retail spaces and the need for innovation to keep these areas bustling with activity.
interesting article, but I question your timeline and list of initial shops.
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate your insight on the timeline and shops and will verify info.
Turn this mall back to a strip mall. Was way more easier to walk about.
Thanks for the suggestion! Turning it back into a strip mall could be a good move for easier access.