Creekside Center

If you are looking for a large-scale shopping destination in California, Creekside Center (known to many as Southland Mall) is well worth your attention. This major regional shopping complex, located in the city of Hayward, USA, is an impressive space of over 57,000 square meters where American retail traditions meet modern service.

Creekside Center. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The center serves as an important commercial hub, housing giants such as JCPenney, Macy's, and the popular arts and crafts store Hobby Lobby. With its diverse range of clothing, accessories, and home goods stores, Creekside Center attracts both locals and tourists looking for great deals in a comfortable environment.

Architecturally, the property is interesting for preserving design features from the 1960s, created by the firm John Graham & Associates, which are harmoniously complemented by later expansions. Today, the complex is managed by Namdar Realty Group and Mason Asset Management, maintaining its status as one of the key shopping destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

To inquire about specific brands or current promotions at Creekside Center, you can use the official communication channels. While social media information is currently unavailable, the administration provides a direct contact number and an informative website.

The primary activity at Creekside Center is, undoubtedly, high-quality shopping. Visitors can spend time exploring the numerous departments of JCPenney, which offers a wide selection of clothing and home goods, or stop by Macy's for cosmetics and designer items. Craft and home decor enthusiasts should definitely visit Hobby Lobby, which occupies a significant area and offers thousands of creative ideas.

Beyond shopping, it is interesting to simply walk around and observe how architectural eras have shifted. While strolling through the indoor galleries, notice the contrast between the original mid-century shapes and the more modern design elements of the 1970s. Thanks to the climate control system, it is an excellent place to escape the California heat and spend time with the whole family in a relaxed setting.

If the selection within the center itself isn't enough, you can always expand your route. Giants such as Walmart, Target, and HomeGoods are located in the immediate vicinity, allowing you to meet absolutely all your shopping needs in one day without leaving this commercial zone.

The shopping complex is conveniently located on Mission Blvd in the city of Hayward. If you are planning a trip by car from San Francisco, Oakland, or Fremont, the route is very straightforward due to its proximity to major thoroughfares such as Hesperian Blvd and West Winton Ave. For those traveling by private vehicle, there is an enormous parking lot with 8,000 spaces, making parking hassle-free even on holidays.

For those who prefer public transportation, Creekside Center is also easily accessible. You can use the BART rapid transit system (the nearest station is Hayward) and then transfer to local AC Transit buses that serve the area. Taxis or rideshare services from the city center will take you to the mall's doors in just a few minutes.

The complex is integrated into a well-developed commercial zone near the residential neighborhoods of Palma Ceia Village and Winton Grove. This strategic position makes it an ideal stop while traveling throughout the Bay Area.

The history of this location began in December 1957, when the foundation for the Palma Ceia Shopping Plaza was laid. Interestingly, the name Palma Ceia translates from Portuguese as "Palm Supper," a tribute to the region's Portuguese heritage. The first major anchor here was the Sears department store, which opened in November 1958, occupying an impressive area.

In the early 1960s, the project attracted major investors who decided to transform the open-air plaza into a modern indoor mall. Thus, in 1964, Southland Mall appeared on the city map. One of the main "stars" of the renovated center was the JCPenney store. Interestingly, the JCPenney chain had been present in Hayward since 1929, but moved to this building after its previous location was damaged by fire.

The architectural appearance of the center has evolved over the decades. The original design by John Graham & Associates included elements reminiscent of the famous Space Needle tower. Later, in 1972, architect Avner Naggar added more modern, angular facades and improved lighting to the complex. Throughout its long life, the center has seen several famous names and owners, and as of 2025, it came under the management of Namdar Realty Group.

For half a century, legendary American brands have succeeded one another here: from Liberty House and Mervyn's to the modern Macy's and Hobby Lobby. Each of these names has written its own chapter in the history of Creekside Center, turning it from a simple marketplace into a historic commercial hub in California.

When planning a visit to Creekside Center, you should consider how extensive your shopping trip will be. For a quick walkthrough of the main anchor stores, such as Macy's or Hobby Lobby, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient. This time allows you to browse the selection and make a few targeted purchases.

However, if you wish to leisurely explore all the departments of JCPenney, browse the smaller boutiques, and perhaps visit nearby hypermarkets like Target or TJ Maxx, it is better to set aside half a day. Given the size of the complex and the adjacent shopping area, your visit may take longer, especially if you decide to combine shopping with a meal at one of the local eateries.

Creekside Center operates on a convenient schedule, allowing for shopping both on weekdays after work and on weekends. From Monday to Saturday, the complex is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

On Sunday, the hours are shorter: the center's doors open at 11:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Please note that the operating hours of certain large stores, such as Macy's or JCPenney, may differ slightly from the mall's general schedule.

A stroll through the shopping center is only part of what this area has to offer. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of Hayward, learn about its history, and enjoy local cuisine in cozy establishments located within just a few kilometers.