El Portal Shopping Center, originally a bustling shopping hub in San Pablo, California, has undergone a significant transformation to become a mixed-use area known as Abella Center. The redevelopment efforts have aimed to revitalize the area, attracting new businesses and residents, and enhancing the community’s vibrancy.
In This Article
Key Points
- El Portal Shopping Center, originally a hub for shopping, has undergone significant redevelopment to become a mixed-use area known as Abella Center.
- The center now features a combination of city services, business, shopping, and housing, making it a transit-oriented development.
- The redevelopment efforts have aimed to revitalize the area, attracting new businesses and residents, and enhancing the community’s vibrancy4.
Historical Background
El Portal Shopping Center opened in the 1960s, anchored by Simon’s Department store, which later became a Mervyn’s department store, HomeBase home improvement store, and Safeway supermarket. However, the shopping center began to decline due to its distance from freeway entrances and exits along Interstate 80, as well as the rise of the nearby Hilltop Mall Shopping Center in Richmond.
Redevelopment and Current State
In the early 2000s, the city of San Pablo began a redevelopment plan to revitalize the shopping center. The commercial center was rebranded as International Marketplace and touted as an ethnic niche destination shopping area. The redevelopment included:
- Remodeling the former Safeway into an Asian Supermarket
- Transforming the ex-Home Base location into a two-story shopping bazaar with small shop locations
- Demolishing the department store spot and portions of the eastern edge of the mall to create a mixed-use urban village called Abella, featuring apartments, condominiums, and attached single-family homes
Community and Economic Impact
The redevelopment of El Portal Shopping Center into Abella Center has played a significant role in boosting the local economy and providing housing options. The center now serves as a comprehensive community hub, offering a mix of city services, shopping, dining, and residential options.
Services and Amenities
Abella Center offers a wide range of services and amenities, including:
- City hall
- Contra Costa County social services department
- Library locations
- Shopping and dining options
- Housing options, such as apartments, condominiums, and attached single-family homes
Transportation and Accessibility
Abella Center is well-connected to public transportation, with multiple bus lines serving the area and promoting ease of access. Its role as a transit-oriented development has enhanced accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
FAQ
What was El Portal Shopping Center originally known for?
El Portal Shopping Center was originally a bustling shopping hub with various anchor stores, including Simon’s Department store (later Mervyn’s), HomeBase home improvement store, and Safeway supermarket.
How has the redevelopment of El Portal Shopping Center impacted the local community?
The redevelopment has revitalized the area, bringing in new businesses, services, and housing options, thereby enhancing the community’s vibrancy.
What types of amenities and services does Abella Center offer?
Abella Center offers a mix of city services, shopping, dining, and residential options, making it a comprehensive community hub.
How is Abella Center connected to public transportation?
Abella Center is well-connected to public transportation, with multiple bus lines serving the area and promoting ease of access.
Are there any future plans for Abella Center?
While specific future plans are not detailed, ongoing efforts to attract new businesses and improve community services are expected to continue.
