The Hawthorne Plaza mall in Los Angeles, a sprawling 35-acre shopping center that once housed nearly 135 stores, is undergoing demolition after being vacant for approximately three decades. The site gained notoriety for its appearances in blockbuster films, including "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and "Gone Girl."
Machinery and crews are currently on-site, working to dismantle the structure. This demolition follows a court order obtained by the City of Hawthorne, which mandates that the mall's owners begin tear-down by August 14, 2026. The property is owned by The Charles Co. and its affiliate M&A Gabaee and spans over 10 city blocks in Hawthorne.
Since its closure in the 1990s, the vacant mall has been a site for vandalism, trespassing, and other safety concerns within the community. City officials have expressed their commitment to revitalizing the area and making way for future businesses. "This court decision provides a clear, enforceable schedule for the remediation of the Hawthorne Mall property," city manager Vontray Norris stated in a press release. "The City remains committed to utilizing all available legal avenues to pave the way for future development that will benefit residents and local businesses alike."
Development Plans and History
In the past, the dilapidated site has seen various development proposals aimed at creating a profitable and community-beneficial space. In 2016, renderings depicted a mixed-use development that would feature an outdoor-style mini-mall, an office complex, retail strips, and residential units. These plans also included courtyards, parklets, a rooftop area, 600 housing units, 500,000 square feet of commercial space, a grocery store, a food hall, a movie theater, and a gym.
However, these ambitious plans never materialized, and the large building remained empty. Hawthorne Plaza first opened in early 1977 and faced significant challenges throughout its operational years, struggling to compete with other South Bay malls such as the South Bay Galleria and Del Amo Fashion Center. The mall officially closed its doors in 1999, 20 years after its opening, when Gabaee purchased the property.