Westminster Mall Demolition Begins for New Mixed-Use Development

The former shopping center will be replaced by thousands of homes, shops, and green spaces.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:39am

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The demolition of the abandoned Westminster Mall in California has begun, marking the start of a new $2.5 billion mixed-use development project that will transform the 80-acre site. The project, led by Shopoff Realty, will include thousands of homes, shops, restaurants, a hotel, and open green spaces and walking trails.

Why it matters

The decline of malls like Westminster's reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce, leading developers to reimagine these large retail spaces. The new project aims to create a vibrant, community-focused development that better meets the needs of modern residents.

The details

On Wednesday, the new owners demolished one of the main entrances of the Westminster Mall, which first opened in 1974. The mall had fallen into disrepair, with vandalism and squatters occupying the abandoned property. Shopoff Realty, the new owner, plans to build 855 new homes and 1,450 apartments on the site, along with commercial and recreational spaces.

  • The demolition of the main entrance began on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
  • The $2.5 billion project is expected to be fully completed within the next five years.

The players

Shopoff Realty

The new property owner that is leading the redevelopment of the Westminster Mall site.

Bill Shopoff

The president and CEO of Shopoff Investments, the company overseeing the redevelopment project.

Christine Cordon

The city manager of Westminster, who expressed nostalgia for the mall's role in the community.

Jan Brueckner

An economics professor at the University of California, Irvine, who commented on the decline of traditional malls.

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What they’re saying

“As far as I could remember, Westminster Mall has been part of my childhood. It was a place we could belong. That sentiment has traveled down into my adulthood.”

— Christine Cordon, Westminster City Manager

“Today is kind of the culmination, but really the beginning at the same time. By early next year, we will deliver basically the part of the land where we are sitting on today, will become about 855 new homes. We've got 1,450 apartments.”

— Bill Shopoff, President and CEO of Shopoff Investments

“We don't need an enclosed mall here in California. Look at the weather today. It couldn't be more beautiful.”

— Bill Shopoff, President and CEO of Shopoff Investments

What’s next

The $2.5 billion redevelopment project is expected to be fully completed within the next five years, with the first 855 new homes and 1,450 apartments scheduled to be delivered by early 2027.

The takeaway

The demolition of the Westminster Mall marks the end of an era for traditional enclosed shopping malls, as developers seek to reimagine these large retail spaces to better meet the needs of modern consumers and communities. The new mixed-use project aims to create a vibrant, community-focused development that combines housing, shopping, and green spaces.