Sears Topanga transformed into hub for fine dining, arts and entertainment

The former Sears department center at the Westfield Topanga Mall is transforming into a state of the art dining hall and entertainment district.

The $250 million dollar renovation will revamp the vacant 160,000-foot property into an entertainment complex, including a bowling alley, a movie theater and several restaurants, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Construction is currently underway with an expected completion date of late 2021, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

“The thing that is really missing there is a significant dining and entertaining district,” said Westfield’s executive vice president for development Larry Green to the Los Angeles Daily News. “What we’re doing is taking down the former Sears store and turning that space into a new front door for Topanga.”

Westfield plans to remodel the exterior of the former Sears by adding landscaped greenery and a triple-height entryway, according to Chain Store Age. A chef-driven food court including leading national food and beverage concepts, as well as sit-down restaurants and cocktail bars, will occupy the interior, according to Chain Store Age. The transition will also include plans to improve pedestrian access to The Village at Westfield Topanga, according to Urbanize Los Angeles.

“Minimal impact on mall guests is expected during construction,” said Westfield representatives to the Los Angeles Daily News. “Shops and restaurants will remain open for business throughout the process,” according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Post renovations, the Village and Westfield Topanga Mall, combined, will include over 350 shops, restaurants and a variety of other services. Westfield has already upgraded the floors, restroom facilities and family lounges inside the Westfield Topanga Mall, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

“I am looking forward to having a new place to hang out with my friends,” said sophomore Mia Sher. “I think it is really cool that I can go bowling, see movies and have several options to eat here.”

Down the line, Westfield also plans to complete a $1.5 billion dollar restoration of the Westfield Promenade Property that will transform the vacant shopping center into a “live-work-play downtown community,” that includes offices, housing, hotels and an entertainment and sports complex, according to Chain Stone Age