The Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights is getting a facelift. The City Council unanimously approved last week the "Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan" to convert the 100-acre Sunrise Mall into a mixed-use development with less retail stores and more open space. It includes housing, hotels, offices, added dining and entertainment options, creating in-all nearly 2,400 jobs. The Sunrise Mall will remain open during the redevelopment, which will be done in phases. It's expected to generate nearly $100-million in diversified tax revenue for the city of Citrus Heights over the next two decades. The redevelopment plan will include a walkable main street space, allowing for indoor and outdoor experiences.
The mall first opened back in 1971 before Citrus Heights had become an incorporated city. Residents reflect on the impact of the mall back when it was popular, saying the mall brought people from all over the region to the city and was a hot spot of the time. Now, many of the already struggling businesses did not survive the hardships of the pandemic, leaving the mall fairly empty.