Westlake Shopping Center

“A cabbage patch?” you might ask. Yes, believe it or not, the very ground we stand on, occupied by the Westlake Shopping Center, was once just that. A humble field of cabbages and hogs, stretching as far as the eye could see. In 1945, a visionary developer named Henry Doelger saw something more in this land. He envisioned a bustling community, a place where people could live, work, and shop, all within easy reach. And at the heart of this community, he envisioned the Westlake Shopping Center. Doelger acquired a staggering 1,350 acres, transforming the landscape from farmland into the Westlake neighborhood of Daly City. Ground was broken for Westlake Shopping Center in 1948, a moment that marked a significant shift in American retail history. When the Westlake Shopping Center opened its doors on April 20, 1951, it wasn’t just another shopping center. It was a symbol of post-war prosperity and innovation, boasting a then-unheard-of 3,000-car parking lot, the largest in the nation. It was also one of the earliest malls in America and the very first community shopping center in the Bay Area. The center quickly became a community hub, its open-air promenades hosting concerts, art shows, fairs, dances, and countless other events. Westlake Shopping Center wasn’t just a place to shop; it was the heart of the Westlake community. Over the years, Westlake Shopping Center changed hands, reflecting the evolving retail landscape. Doelger sold the center in 1965. The Westlake Development Company took ownership in 1972, and in 2002, Kimco Realty Corporation, the current owners, acquired the property. The Westlake Shopping Center has undergone several renovations. A major renovation in 2004 saw the demolition of a J.C. Penney building, making way for a Home Depot. The renovation also included a new Trader Joe’s and a Cost Plus World Market, modernizing the center while maintaining its role as a community anchor. Today, Westlake Shopping Center stands as a testament to Doelger’s vision. From a humble cabbage patch to a bustling retail center, Westlake Shopping Center has witnessed the evolution of Daly City, standing as a landmark of its history and growth. It’s a place where you can shop for everything from groceries to home improvement supplies, all while surrounded by the echoes of the past.