Horton Plaza (mall) facts for kids
Westfield Horton Plaza (as it was then called) in 2008.
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| Location | San Diego, California, United States |
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| Address | 324 Horton Plaza |
| Opening date | August 9, 1985 |
| Closing date | May 2020 |
| Developer | The Hahn Company |
| Owner | Stockdale Capital Partners |
| No. of stores and services | 0 |
| No. of anchor tenants | 0 |
| Total retail floor area | 758,003 sq ft (70,420.8 m2) |
| No. of floors | 5 |
| Parking | 2,189 |
| Public transit access | Civic Center station |
Horton Plaza was a unique five-level outdoor shopping mall in Downtown San Diego. It was famous for its bright colors, unusual shapes, and surprising layouts. The mall covered 6.5 city blocks next to San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter.
When it opened in 1985, Horton Plaza was the first successful downtown shopping center in many years. This was a big deal because most new malls were being built in the suburbs. In 2018, the property was sold to Stockdale Capital Partners. They plan to turn it into a mix of offices and shops. The mall closed in 2020, and big renovations started in June 2020.
Contents
History of Horton Plaza
Early Plans: 1970s
Ideas for a shopping center and a new downtown area started in 1972. The goal was to improve San Diego's historic town square, Horton Plaza. However, the project faced many challenges and delays. Construction finally began in 1982. The plaza is named after Alonzo Horton, who helped create downtown San Diego.
Opening and Unique Design: 1980s–1990s
Horton Plaza cost $140 million and was the main part of a downtown improvement project. It was designed by architect Jon Jerde, who created a style called "experience architecture." This meant the building was designed to make you feel like you were exploring.
When it opened in August 1985, Horton Plaza was very different from other malls. It had mismatched levels, long ramps, sudden drops, and hidden corners. The buildings were painted in bright colors around a central courtyard. This design was inspired by an essay about getting "safely lost" in cities like Paris or New York.
Horton Plaza quickly became a financial success. Many people believed it helped bring new life to downtown San Diego. The mall also housed the historic Jessop's Clock, which was built in 1907.
Over the years, new stores and entertainment options came to the mall. In 1994, Sam Goody and Planet Hollywood announced they would open. In 1995, United Artists Theatres expanded its movie screens. In 1997, FAO Schwarz opened a toy store on the fifth floor. In 1998, the mall was sold and renamed Westfield Horton Plaza.
Changes and Redevelopment: 2000–2017
Many stores changed over the years. Planet Hollywood closed in 2001, and FAO Schwarz closed in 2003. Other stores like Mervyn's and Sam Goody also closed their doors.
In 2011, the San Diego City Council approved a plan to create a new urban park. This park would be built where a former department store stood. Westfield partnered with the city to create Horton Plaza Park. The new park opened on May 4, 2016. It has a large event space, a theater, and a fun pop-jet fountain.
In 2012, the Jessop's Clock had to find a new home. Westfield decided not to renew its lease. The clock was eventually put into storage in 2019 while its owners looked for a permanent spot.
In 2013, police responded to a report of a wanted person at the mall. It turned out to be a case of mistaken identity.
On June 24, 2016, Nordstrom announced it would close its store. This left only one major department store remaining in the mall. In July 2017, a sad incident occurred at the mall where one person died.
New Vision: 2018–Present
In August 2018, the mall was sold to Stockdale Capital Partners. They planned to transform it into The Campus at Horton. This new project would be an office and retail complex. The idea was to create an "innovation hub" for technology and biotechnology companies. Some shops, restaurants, and entertainment would still be part of the plan.
Many parts of the mall began to close. The Regal cinemas, which had been there since 1985, closed in February 2019. By the summer of 2019, most stores were closed. Only Macy's and 24 Hour Fitness remained open.
In January 2020, Stockdale Capital Partners reached an agreement with Macy's for their store to close. Macy's closed in April 2020. Starting in May 2020, Horton Plaza was fenced off, and demolition began. The plan is to redevelop it mainly into office space for a new tech hub. The first part of this project is expected to be finished in late 2023.
See also
In Spanish: Westfield Horton Plaza para niños
Images for kids
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Westfield Horton Plaza (as it was then called) in 2008.
