“Wow that’s a lot of history isn’t it?” Westfield Fashion Square Mall a landmark in Sherman Oaks has quite a story. It all started in 1962 not as Westfield but as Bullock’s Fashion Square. Imagine Bullock’s and I Magnin department stores as anchors. A grand opening on April 22nd 1962 followed by an official dedication on August 13th.
The mall expanded. Joseph Magnin joined in 1966. The Broadway arrived in 1977. Then from 1988 to 1990 a huge transformation happened. The outdoor mall was enclosed. A double-decked structure with a Mediterranean theme emerged. It was quite a change.
Disaster struck in 1994. The Northridge earthquake caused serious damage to Westfield Fashion Square Mall. Repairs were extensive. The mall’s landscape shifted again in 1996. Bullock’s became Macy’s. The Broadway transformed into Bloomingdale’s. This was due to Federated Department Stores’ acquisition of Carter Hawley Hale Stores. The Broadway’s parent company was swallowed up.
Westfield Group joined the picture in 2002 gaining a half-interest. The name changed to Westfield Shoppingtown Fashion Square in 2003. “Shoppingtown” was dropped in 2005. Another significant renovation happened in 2013. A more modern cosmopolitan look and an upgraded food court were added.
Westfield Fashion Square Mall isn’t just a shopping destination. It’s a star in its own right. Many films and TV shows have featured it. Malcolm in the Middle The Office Clueless and The Ellen DeGeneres Show all filmed here. Even Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears caused a stir with a prank.
Westfield Fashion Square Mall boasts impressive anchor stores. Bloomingdale’s occupies 220000 square feet. Macy’s is even larger at 280535 square feet. The mall is a significant part of Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys. Its long and eventful history is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles. Westfield Fashion Square Mall isn’t just a place to shop. It’s a living breathing piece of Los Angeles history. Isn’t that remarkable?