July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Place Opens to Large Crowds:

Thousands of Santa Monica residents, shopaholics, tourists, teens, and families flocked to Santa Monica Place for its grand opening on Friday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m.

The mall, which closed its doors about two years ago, has undergone major changes. Gone is Frank Gehry’s 1980 design, Robinsons May, Macy’s, and the traditional food court. In its place is a three-level, open-air, 524,000-square-foot mall with high-end restaurants and stores. David Rogers, Jerde Partnernship architect, said the inspiration for the mall revolved around California.

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, right by the Promenade and just a few blocks away from the Beach, the mall aims to be more of a Santa Monica go-to destination.

“We’re making history today,” Rogers said. “The City of Santa Monica needed a living room – a place to come meet people. . . and there’s no place better than right here.”

KCRW DJ Jason Bentley kicked off the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. “It’s easy to overlook the importance of public spaces. . . [but they are] central and vital to who we are.”

“You all like to shop?” he asked. The crowd cheered. Bentley then introduced Art Coppola, chief executive of mall owner Maerich Co., who said it was a “proud moment” for him and the company.

“This is the place of Santa Monica,” he said. “Don’t you think it was worth the wait?”

People whistled, cheered and yelled “yes!” back.

“This is by far the most exciting retail project of the decade,” Coppola added.

City council member Bob Holbrook also addressed the crowd. “[Santa Monica Place] is a fluid and dynamic part of a walkable downtown Santa Monica. . . it’s part of what makes Santa Monica a great place to be,” he said.

Then Coppola said the magic words: “We hope you all have a ball,” which cued mall employees, who were stationed on the second and third floors, to throw beach balls into the crowd, as the song “More Bounce in California” played.

The mall was so packed that parking was scarce and people had to wait to take escalators. Some dedicated shoppers who anticipated this chaos even camped out as early as 6 a.m. Most stores opened their doors on Friday. However, some stores and restaurants remain unopened – among them, Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co. Select stores, such as the Disney Store, Bloomingdale’s and Nike, had lines of people waiting outside just to get in.

Paul Dash, manager of the Disney Store, said they aim to make the store experience “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day.” Bloomingdale’s designed their store for the Santa Monica consumer, with its motto “So Cal So Cool” in mind. The Nike store also caters to locals. Inside, there is a posted a schedule of Nike runs in the area and a station where high school athletes can customize their shoes to fit their school mascot, team name or jersey number.

Other stores, such as Juicy Couture and White House Black Market, handed out discounts and gift cards, to promote their new Santa Monica location.

Throughout the day, KCRW DJs provided live music for mall goers as they walked around.

The mall opening also featured performances by dancers from popular TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” and the Mannequin Collective, an art exhibit designed by SMC students.

Most attendees were pleased with the Santa Monica Place. “We like the Disney store best,” said 11-year-old Paola Orozco, who came with her mom and siblings. “I want to come back!”

Some, like Amanda Berger, a Santa Monica native, said she liked the remodel but isn’t sure she’ll shop at the high-end stores in the new mall.

“I am so excited to go to the food court with the ocean view,” she said. “But most of the stores that I shop in are on the Promenade, so I’m not sure if I will be shopping here.”

Others, like Brentwood resident Kristin Ige, came to the mall opening to check out how it has changed.

“The design was well done,” she said. “The view that they’ve constructed from the third floor is fantastic. . . it’s now a lifestyle mall as opposed to a mall where you just go to shop.”

in News
<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...