With an emerging shortage of housing units and a need for revitalization, Santa Susana Plaza in Simi Valley is set to undergo a major transformation. The 14.6-acre outdoor shopping center on Tapo Street will make way for a mixed-use development, featuring 280 apartments alongside commercial spaces.
Embracing Change for a Bright Future
The redevelopment project, spearheaded by Gerrity Group, a renowned developer based in San Diego County, aims to address the current excess of retail space at Santa Susana Plaza. Colby Young, the vice president of redevelopment, emphasizes that the project not only benefits the retail tenants but also addresses the housing needs of the community.
The project involves demolishing approximately 59,800 square feet of buildings at the north end of the shopping center to create space for the new development. The complex will consist of a single building with apartments encircling a central parking structure. The first floor of the building will house locally-owned stores, restaurants, and services, spanning 4,750 square feet.
An Exciting Vision Becomes Reality
Santa Susana Plaza was previously zoned for mixed-use, and in February 2022, the Simi Valley City Council granted the development permit and affordable housing agreement for the project. Gerrity Group has committed to including 14 affordable units in the complex.
Elaine Litster, a council member, praises the project as a wise development that will provide increased foot traffic for local businesses. She believes traditional strip malls have become outdated in the era of online shopping, and mixed-use developments like this are the way forward.
After undergoing thorough review and scrutiny by the city, plans for the project are near completion. With the city's efficient review process, Gerrity Group hopes to break ground on the apartment project this summer. The construction timeline envisions leasing the apartments 21 months after the groundbreaking, which would be in 2026.
The revamped Santa Susana Plaza will encompass a total of 307,566 square feet of apartments and 92,600 square feet of commercial space. The southern half of the mall, housing anchor stores Walmart Neighborhood Market and Joann Fabric and Crafts, will receive a remodel to complement the contemporary Spanish architecture of the new mixed-use complex. Additionally, a half-acre park will bridge the residential and commercial areas, providing a space for community events.
A Promising Future for Simi Valley
The trend of mixed-use developments is gaining momentum, and Simi Valley is no exception. Projects like the one at Santa Susana Plaza align with the changing retail landscape and the need for vibrant, community-oriented spaces. Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks and the High Street Depot in Moorpark are also embracing the mixed-use concept, breathing new life into older malls and downtown areas.
Gerrity Group's commitment to doing things right has been evident in the meticulous planning and review processes, ensuring a seamless transition. While the total cost of the project is still being determined, the dedication to delivering a high-quality development remains unwavering.
In the coming years, Simi Valley residents can look forward to a revitalized Santa Susana Plaza, a symbol of progress and community growth.
Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232.