ANAHEIM : Way Cleared for Mall Renovations

After a yearlong study, the City Council this week designated the Anaheim Plaza mall area as a redevelopment project, meaning renovations can begin soon at the struggling shopping center.

At a public hearing that drew more than 200 people, community leaders, plaza merchants, nearby homeowners and longtime residents voiced their support for the redevelopment plan. The troubled mall, owned by the State Teachers Retirement System, has lost one of its major tenants and almost half of its smaller occupants.

Community Development Director Lisa Stipkovich said the city will now begin looking at a number of development proposals.

Stipkovich said officials hope to find an innovative plan for the mall, possibly something with an “international flavor.” It will be at least six months before a specific proposal can be approved.

“It’s not something that will happen immediately, but we’re on the road,” she said.

By labeling the area a redevelopment project, the city can use property tax revenues from the area for street and parking improvements and other infra-structural upgrades.

The 350-acre redevelopment area is bounded roughly by Euclid and Loara streets, Santa Ana Freeway and Crescent Avenue.