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An Orange County mall erased a one-time anchor store from its footprint and plans to replace it with a residential development.
The Village at Orange tore down the space once occupied by JCPenney last week. The gaping space at the mall could soon be home 167 two- and three-level condominium units.
Newport Beach-based Integral Communities proposed the condominium project, which could include amenities such as a pool, bocce ball court and lounge areas. Integral Communities bought the 7.8-acre site where the freestanding JCPenney once stood for $17.4 million in 2020.
The JCPenney building was built in 1972 and has been vacant since 2017.
The city of Orange has been working on a specific plan and Environmental Impact Report for the mall and plans to start the community engagement process later this year.
The Village at Orange mall opened in 1971 and was most recently managed by TRC Retail. The mall officially closed in January 2024.
The teardown of JCPenney is the latest development of Orange County malls undergoing a major transformation, converting a former anchor store into a residential development.
MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, for example, is planning to build a multifamily project near where Nordstrom once operated.
Shopoff Realty Investments bought portions of Westminster Mall to replace two anchor stores with a residential development. (See related story in the May 5 print edition)
There are also housing projects proposed at Brea Mall.