The Santa Susana Plaza in Simi Valley is about to undergo a major transformation as demolition is set to commence this summer. Nearly half of the 14.6-acre Tapo Street outdoor shopping center will be demolished, making way for a mixed-use development that includes 280 apartments. The project, which has been in the works for several years, aims to revitalize the area and address the shortage of housing units in the region.
Colby Young, the vice president of redevelopment at Gerrity Group, the developer behind the project, explains that the decision to incorporate apartments into the mall was driven by the need to adapt to the changing retail landscape. "We came to the conclusion that this was the best strategy for Santa Susana Plaza because it addresses an existing shortage of housing units," Young said. "It benefits our retail tenants by having that built-in customer base."
Gerrity Group plans to tear down approximately 59,800 square feet of buildings at the north end of the shopping center to make room for the new development. The complex will consist of a single building with apartments surrounding a parking structure at its center, along with 4,750 square feet of locally owned stores, restaurants, and services on the ground floor. The project will also include 14 affordable housing units, as per the agreement with the Simi Valley City Council.
The renovated mall will encompass 307,566 square feet of apartments and 92,600 square feet of commercial space, providing a vibrant mixed-use environment that blends residential and retail elements. The project has undergone thorough scrutiny by the city, ensuring that all necessary permits and reviews are in order. The delay in the demolition process indicates the developer's commitment to doing things right.
Gerrity Group hopes to commence construction after a groundbreaking ceremony in the summer. The apartments will offer a variety of options, including 165 one-bedroom units, 63 two-bedroom units, and 42 studios. Additionally, the project will feature 10 two-story spaces that will serve as a combination of office and residential spaces for entrepreneurs. The goal is to start leasing the apartments approximately 21 months after the groundbreaking, which is projected to be in 2026.
The southern half of the mall, which includes anchor stores Walmart Neighborhood Market and Joann Fabric and Crafts, will remain intact. The exteriors of these shops and others in the southern section will be remodeled to blend with the contemporary Spanish architecture of the new mixed-use complex. To provide a seamless transition between the residential portion and existing stores, a half-acre park will be created, offering space for concerts or a farmers market.
Mixed-use developments like this are becoming more common as older malls and downtown areas adapt to the evolving retail environment. Similar projects are underway at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks and the new High Street Depot in Moorpark.
The transformation of Santa Susana Plaza signifies a promising future for Simi Valley, combining much-needed housing options with vibrant commercial spaces. The project demonstrates the commitment of Gerrity Group to create a community that meets the needs of both residents and businesses. With demolition set to begin this summer, the city eagerly awaits the new chapter in the evolution of Santa Susana Plaza.