Picture the Stonestown Galleria Mall. Its history unfolds before you. Built in 1952 by the Stoneson brothers this wasn’t just another shopping center. It was a vision a small city nestled near Lake Merced. Initially called Stonestown Shopping Center it boasted The Emporium as its anchor store. Walgreens Butler Brothers and Woolworth’s were also early tenants. Local residents could find everything they needed a bakery a grocery store even movie theaters. Three thousand to 3500 people lived in accompanying apartments. The Stoneson brothers were ambitious developers. They also built Stoneridge Shopping Center and Lakeside Village.
The Stonestown Galleria wasn’t always glamorous. In the 1980s it underwent a major renovation. Architect John Field added a second story a food court and a glass ceiling. Marble floors replaced older ones. This transformation marked a shift from a simple shopping center to the Stonestown Galleria we know today. The change included 350 new underground parking spaces.
Macy’s replaced The Emporium in 1996. Bullock’s became Nordstrom in 1988. Nordstrom’s departure in 2019 and Macy’s closure in 2018 left some anchor spaces empty. This sparked concern. But the Stonestown Galleria persevered. A Regal Cinemas Whole Foods Market and Sports Basement filled the former Macy’s space. The most recent addition a Round1 entertainment complex opened in late 2024. This breathed new life into the mall. Brookfield Properties the current owners have announced plans to further renovate the mall. Their vision a vibrant town center. The Stonestown Galleria continues to evolve. It is more than a shopping mall. It’s a testament to San Francisco’s resilience and its enduring spirit. The Stonestown Galleria Mall a landmark in the city’s history and a place where past and present meet.