This shopping center was badly in need of a facelift due to its crumbling Grecian pillars, which clashed with the Spanish tile roofs. However, the upgrades currently being installed are, frankly, an architect's nightmare. The red tile roofs have been removed. It appears to be in the process of being replaced with a tin overhang design reminiscent of an old mining town--an odd aesthetic choice. New "storefront" structures are being built, but the supporting pillars are awkwardly positioned directly in front of several store windows, completely misaligned with the existing units. Above these storefronts are faux dark-tinted windows that serve no functional purpose. The construction started in early August 2024 and is still continuing. It's been an over 10-month process so far.
Additionally, the behavior of the construction crew and mall ownership has been inconsiderate toward neighboring residents. In November 2024, construction began at midnight for 18 consecutive days--an unreasonable disruption. If I were a store tenant, I would be furious; the immediate neighbors are also the most likely customers. To make matters worse, over half of the mature shade trees were removed and replaced with small new trees. The result is an increasingly industrial and unattractive appearance.
There is a daycare located less than 100 feet from my residence, and the noise from the children--particularly the screaming--has become extremely disruptive while I work from home. When I called to respectfully request that they try to minimize the noise, I was told to speak with management about relocating. I explained that I am a homeowner, and moving is not a simple or reasonable solution.
The woman I spoke with seemed completely unaware of the realities of homeownership, as if one could just exchange properties on a whim. This daycare operates under a special exception to be this close to residential homes--yet this is how they choose to treat the surrounding community? The facility was not present when I purchased my home.
I enjoy the local mom-and-pop restaurants and some of the merchants there. However, it's difficult to separate the abusive behavior of the corporation that runs the place--and the construction company--from the impact on nearby residents when considering whether to support these businesses. read more