Hawthorne Plaza’s California history.
- Development and Opening (1969-1977): The Hawthorne Plaza, Los Angeles County’s 32nd mall, opened in 1977 after a period of planning and construction beginning in 1969. Initially conceived as an open-air complex, it was redesigned as a fully enclosed mall, featuring 835,000 leasable square feet, 130 stores, and three anchor stores (Broadway, Montgomery Ward, and JCPenney).
- Early Success and Decline (1977-1990s): While initially popular, the mall experienced a decline in the 1980s and 1990s. Contributing factors included economic downturn in the area (due to aerospace job cuts), socioeconomic shifts, increased competition from other malls, and rising crime rates.
- Closure and Failed Redevelopment Attempts (1990s-2018): The mall’s decline accelerated with the closure of its anchor stores (starting with Broadway in 1995). It officially closed in 1999. Numerous redevelopment plans were proposed over the years (including a mixed-use complex), but none came to fruition. The site was used for filming various movies and music videos during this period.
- Current Status: As of the text’s writing, the Hawthorne Plaza remains abandoned, despite multiple attempts at revitalization.
Discover Hawthorne, CA: It’s amazing!
- Central Location & Transportation: Hawthorne is centrally located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, providing easy access to beaches, mountains, Hollywood, and Long Beach. It boasts convenient access to the 405 and 105 freeways, Metro stops, and even Hawthorne Municipal Airport.
- Strong Commercial & Industrial Base: The city focuses on commercial businesses and industries, resulting in significant property tax revenue that funds city amenities and infrastructure. This also creates ample employment opportunities.
- Excellent City Amenities: Hawthorne offers various amenities, including a well-maintained aquatic center, a sports center with volleyball courts, and impressive city landscaping and infrastructure, all supported by robust tax revenue.
- Rich History & Local Pride: The city is the birthplace of The Beach Boys, a source of significant local pride, commemorated by a monument.
- Housing Market Insights: The housing market shows a mix of long-term rentals and owner-occupied homes. While some areas offer a quiet residential feel, proximity to the airport might be a concern for some buyers. Recent listings suggest some properties may be overpriced.
- Neighborhood Characteristics: The video highlights varying neighborhood characteristics within Hawthorne, emphasizing the importance of researching specific ZIP codes for crime rates and desired amenities. Some areas boast well-maintained properties and thoughtfully designed parking.
- High-Quality Schools: Hawthorne offers a comprehensive education system, including Hawthorne High School, which is depicted as a modern and well-equipped campus.
- Overall: The video presents Hawthorne as a centrally located city with a strong economic base, good amenities, and a range of housing options, but emphasizes the importance of researching specific neighborhoods due to variations in character and crime rates. Min
Hawthorne, CA living
- Location & Accessibility: Hawthorne, CA is a South Bay suburb near LAX, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo. Easy freeway access (405, 105, 110) and proximity to beaches and tech companies in Silicon Beach.
- Demographics & Housing: Population ~95,000; ~31,550 households; ~42% with children; ~24% have a bachelor’s degree or higher; ~30% of homes are owner-occupied; average household income ~$66,000; median home price (at time of recording) in the $800,000s. Diverse housing styles including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.
- Climate: Similar to other South Bay cities; cooler than Los Angeles due to ocean breezes; average temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
- Employment: Major employers include SpaceX, OSI Systems, and Eureka Restaurant Group. Close proximity to Silicon Beach.
- Schools: Independent school district, not part of LAUSD; highly-rated Wiseburn School District; acclaimed Da Vinci Charter School; multiple elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Community & Lifestyle: Strong sense of community in some neighborhoods (e.g., Holly Glenn, Delaire); access to shopping, high-end restaurants, and parks; proximity to beaches without the high beach-city price tag.
- Real Estate: Significant price increases in recent years; diverse housing options; gated communities available (e.g., 360 South Bay, Fusion).
- History: Incorporated in 1922; significant growth fueled by aerospace industry (Northrop Grumman, SpaceX); birthplace of The Beach Boys.
- Potential Downsides: High cost of living (typical of California); traffic; earthquakes; neighborhood variations in quality of life; requires careful consideration of specific neighborhoods.
