Plaza Bonita, a National City landmark for 45 years, has a new owner after selling for more than $200 million.
The more than 1-million-square-foot shopping mall was sold by Westfield to developers Lowe and Henderson Park. While shoppers won’t notice many immediate changes beyond the removal of Westfield signs, the new owners say they are planning upgrades that they say will build on the mall’s strong performance.
National City Mayor Ron Morrison said Plaza Bonita is about 95% leased, with anchor stores including JCPenney and Macy’s ranking among the top performers in the region.
“They’re not going to have to do a lot of major stuff to Plaza Bonita; it’s already doing well,” Morrison said.
Lowe said one of its first priorities is expanding dining options, particularly with more outdoor restaurants, along with larger plazas and gathering spaces. The company is also considering cosmetic improvements and the possibility of adding housing in the future, though there are no concrete plans.
“We intend to add local restaurants, specialty food cafes and entertainment uses along with new retailers that offer a variety of experiences for all ages,” said John Mayer, Lowe executive vice president, in a statement.
The developer said it is still in the design and development phase and plans to work with city officials and the community before deciding exactly what changes will be made.
