Del Amo Shopping Center: Why Los Angeles’ Dual-Mall Powerhouse Defines Suburban Retail Evolution

Nestled in the heart of Culver City, Del Amo Shopping Center stands as a living testament to the evolution of American retail—where two iconic malls converge to serve a diverse, ever-growing community. More than just a destination for shopping, Del Amo embodies a masterclass in adaptive urban planning, blending contemporary design with decades of consumer loyalty. With over six million square feet of space and a tenant mix that spans luxury, everyday essentials, and cultural experiences, it has redefined what a regional mall should be in the 21st century.

From Retail Hub to Lifestyle Destination: The Origins and Expansion Opened in 1970 as a modest single-level complex, Del Amo quickly outgrew its initial footprint. A major transformation began in 2018 with a $500 million redevelopment that reimagined the center as a dual-mall hybrid—uniting the historic North Del Amo and the newly expanded South Del Amo. This strategic expansion created a sprawling 6.2 million square foot campus, seamlessly connecting two wings through a central atrium and shared plaza.

The redesign, led by PH+ architect consortium, emphasized open, light-filled spaces and integrated public plazas, setting a new benchmark for mid-century malls adapting to modern demands. The center now hosts over 250 retailers, including anchor tenants such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, and JCPenney, alongside niche boutiques, high-end salons, and experiential venues like a 16-screen AMC theater. This layered approach transforms a traditional shopping stop into a full-service lifestyle ecosystem—where commerce, culture, and community intersect.

Quantifiable impact marks Del Amo’s transformation: foot traffic exceeds 12 million annually, with peak weekends seeing visitor counts reach 50,000—a surge fueled by strategic marketing, diverse offerings, and proximity to densely populated neighborhoods like WestLosAngeles, Beverlywood, and South Central. The center’s success reflects intentional design and responsiveness to demographic shifts, including rising demand for mixed-use spaces and experiential retail.

Design Philosophy: Blending Tradition with Innovation

Del Amo’s architectural revival sets it apart. The redevelopment preserved signature mid-century elements—such as massive skylights and clean lines—while integrating cutting-edge sustainability and smart technology.

Energy-efficient LED lighting, motion-sensor HVAC systems, and rooftop solar panels reduce annual carbon emissions by over 30%. Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile app navigation, and digital directories enhance visitor convenience, mirroring a broader trend toward tech-integrated retail environments. Public art installations, including rotating murals and sculptural displays curated by local artists, reinforce community identity.

The central plaza—called “The Commons”—serves as more than a gathering spot; it hosts a weekly farmers’ market, live music performances, and cultural festivals, turning passive shopping into active community engagement.

Sustainability isn’t just operational—it’s symbolic. By merging heritage architecture with green innovation, Del Amo signals a respectful evolution of suburban shopping centers, balancing nostalgia with forward-looking design.

Economic Engine and Community Catalyst

More than retail, Del Amo functions as a socioeconomic engine.

The center employs over 4,000 full- and part-time workers across sales, food services, security, and management—many drawn from nearby neighborhoods facing limited employment opportunities. Local small businesses benefit from dedicated pop-up spaces and promotions, fostering entrepreneurship within a stable, high-traffic environment. Partnerships with local nonprofits amplify community impact.

Programs such as job training workshops, youth internship initiatives, and holiday donation drives tie tenant success to civic responsibility. During the pandemic, Del Amo pivoted to administer vaccine clinics and food distribution, demonstrating adaptability beyond commerce. The center’s robust event calendar—featuring cultural celebrations like Day of the Dead festivals, multicultural food tours, and fitness boot camps—draws visitors from across the South Bay.

These initiatives not only drive foot traffic but deepen public loyalty, transforming stores into dynamic venues for connection and shared experience.

From job creation to cultural programming, Del Amo’s influence extends far beyond its parking lot, proving successful malls must now serve as community hubs.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its achievements, Del Amo faces modern retail headwinds. The rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer habits challenge traditional foot traffic models.

Yet, the center’s agile response—integrating experiential retail, enhancing digital engagement, and curating hyper-local offerings—positions it as a model for resilience. Ongoing upgrades include expandable event spaces, adaptive reuse of underperforming storefronts into wellness centers and co-working lounges, and deeper integration with public transit. Partnerships with Metro LA aim to improve bus and bike access, reducing car dependency and broadening accessibility.

Long-term, Del Amo plans to expand its sustainability portfolio, targeting net-zero energy status by 2030 through upgraded insulation, green roofs, and expanded EV charging stations. These efforts align with broader industry trends toward responsible, future-ready development.

By embracing transformation while honoring its legacy, Del Amo exemplifies how suburban centers can thrive amid disruption, acting as vital, evolving anchors in urban life.

Del Amo Shopping Center is not merely a place to shop—it is a microcosm of 21st-century retail modernization, where commerce, culture, and community converge under one adaptive roof.

Its journey from regional mall to dual-world lifestyle hub reflects the profound shift in how Americans connect with their local centers: not just as consumers, but as participants in a shared, dynamic experience. As cities evolve, Del Amo stands as both a milestone and a model—proving that well-managed retail spaces can drive economic vitality, social cohesion, and lasting urban renewal.