The neglected Hawthorne mall needs to either undergo development or be demolished by the following summer.
In a significant turn of events, the once-thriving Hawthorne Plaza in Los Angeles is set for a much-needed makeover. City officials have obtained a permanent court injunction requiring the owners of the mall to either redevelop or demolish it by August 2026.
The Hawthorne Plaza, which opened its doors in 1977 and at its peak boasted 130 stores, has been empty for two decades. Over the years, it has become a source of ongoing community concern due to trespassing, graffiti, trash, and safety issues.
Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the Hawthorne Plaza site is considered critical to the economic recovery of Hawthorne city's downtown. The revitalisation is expected to provide relief to surrounding neighborhoods, offering a boost to local businesses and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Interestingly, the Charles Co., the property's owners, have also been embroiled in another controversy. Arman Gabaee, co-founder and co-managing partner of the Charles Co., was sentenced to four years in prison in 2022 for bribing a Los Angeles County official. Prosecutors described the corruption case involving Gabaee as one of the biggest in L.A. history.
Gabaee admitted giving dozens of cash payoffs during furtive meetings in cars, restaurants, and men's rooms while reaping lucrative real-estate leases in return. This case has raised questions about the company's practices and its commitment to ethical business dealings.
In a separate development, Valley Plaza in North Hollywood, another mall owned by the Charles Co., was declared a nuisance by the Los Angeles Board of Commissioners of Building and Safety last month. City Councilman Adrin Nazarian supported the nuisance declaration due to it becoming a blight on the neighborhood and a constant danger to the public.
The mall, which dates back to the 1950s, was severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Despite its post-apocalyptic appearance, it has been used as a setting for music videos by stars such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift.
As the future of the Hawthorne Plaza unfolds, the community eagerly awaits the revitalisation of this once-vibrant shopping centre, hoping for a brighter and safer future for Hawthorne. Mark Gabaee, listed as the owner by real estate data provider CoStar, didn't respond to a request for comment.
