Grossmont Center is finally getting its long‑talked‑about makeover. Crews have started a major, multi‑phase overhaul of the La Mesa shopping hub, with a plan to modernize façades, plazas and pedestrian routes across the sprawling outdoor mall. The goal is to freshen up aging infrastructure and improve the day‑to‑day experience, all while the anchors and most tenants stay open for business. The work lands just as Macy’s, a long‑time anchor at the center, is slated to close during 2026, leaving a big blank wall and a very tempting planning opportunity for future phases.
Phase one zeroes in on the northern spine of the center. Storefronts between Target and Walmart will be cleaned up and given a more contemporary look, the central plaza will be reworked with new seating, shade and a fountain, and both landscaping and ADA access will get upgrades. According to the City of La Mesa, the first phase also includes better lighting, new security bollards and roughly 30 additional trees to boost walkability and safety. The city council signed off on the plan last year as part of a broader push to keep the center in line with the Grossmont Specific Plan.
Construction officially kicked off last Monday, Jan. 5, with site work and visible façade staging rolling out this month. As reported by FOX 5 San Diego, Federal Realty Investment Trust, the center's manager and majority owner, says the renovations are meant to create a more welcoming environment for both merchants and visitors. Federal Realty has flagged Grossmont as a redevelopment opportunity and has previously said it is ready to invest in capital improvements across the property; Federal Realty Investment Trust materials outline the site's redevelopment potential.
What shoppers and tenants will notice
For everyday shoppers, the changes should show up as cleaner, updated façades, wider pedestrian walkways and upgraded lighting and seating. Most retailers are expected to remain open through construction so the place does not feel like a ghost mall mid‑remodel. Grossmont Center lists about 100 shops and anchors, including Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble and Reading Cinemas, and management says work will be phased to keep access to stores and parking intact. The Times of San Diego reported on the city council's approval of the design last summer, noting officials were focused on minimizing business impacts during the rollout.
Macy's and the next phases
Macy’s at Grossmont Center is on the chopping block for 2026, and its closure will free up the big anchor box for Phase 2 of the renovation program. Retail reporting indicates Macy’s is among roughly 14 stores the chain plans to close this year, with the La Mesa location likely to shut in the first quarter, according to Retail Dive. The city has already tagged Phase 2 as the step that would tackle the Macy’s building, with a later Phase 3 aimed at the south and southeast portion of the property between Macy’s and Walmart. That sequencing gives planners a clear roadmap to review as construction moves along.
Why the makeover matters for La Mesa
Grossmont Center covers roughly 64 acres at the I‑8 and 125 interchange and makes up a big share of La Mesa’s retail footprint, which helps explain why city leaders and Federal Realty are so intent on updating it and making it more walkable. Federal Realty bought a controlling interest in the site and has described the property as a "blank canvas" for redevelopment, pointing to near‑term lease expirations that open the door to reimagining the parcel. Those details are laid out in Federal Realty Investment Trust materials. City officials and merchants will be watching the timeline closely, since the construction schedule, tenant shuffle and eventual reuse of the Macy’s site are likely to shape East County's retail scene for years to come.
