Work Begins for 83-Acre Development at Former Westminster Mall

Why It Matters

The project transforms an underperforming retail site into a dense, multi‑use community, addressing housing shortages and generating jobs in a region facing limited land for new development.

Key Takeaways

• 2,250 homes mix for-sale, market-rate, affordable units.
• 220,000 sq ft retail space anchors new community.
• 120‑room hotel adds hospitality capacity.
• 15 acres dedicated to parks and open space.
• Target remains open during demolition of existing mall.

Pulse Analysis

The decline of traditional shopping centers has spurred developers nationwide to reimagine these sprawling parcels as mixed‑use neighborhoods. In Orange County, Shopoff Realty Investments has taken the former Westminster Mall—a once‑busy anchor of Sears and Macy’s—and is converting it into Bolsa Pacific, an 83‑acre master‑planned community. By demolishing the aging mall structure while retaining a functioning Target, the developer preserves existing retail traffic and eases the transition for local shoppers.

Housing is the centerpiece of the plan, with 2,250 units ranging from market‑rate apartments to affordable townhomes. This supply directly tackles the region’s chronic housing deficit, where median home prices exceed $900,000 and vacancy rates remain low. The inclusion of townhomes offers a suburban feel within a higher‑density framework, appealing to families and professionals seeking walkable amenities without sacrificing space. Affordable units also help meet state‑mandated inclusionary housing goals, potentially easing commuter pressures on nearby corridors.

Beyond residences, Bolsa Pacific adds 220,000 square feet of retail, a 120‑room hotel, and 15 acres of parks, creating a self‑contained ecosystem that can generate thousands of construction and permanent jobs. The open‑space component aligns with California’s push for greener urban environments, promising recreational benefits and higher property values. Set to break ground fully in late 2026, the project exemplifies the broader shift toward adaptive reuse of dead malls, positioning Orange County as a testing ground for sustainable, mixed‑use development.