Upgrading the Town Center North shopping center is a top priority for Duarte City Council and City Staff. Recently, the City has been made aware of misinformation circulating on local social media channels. As such, we are releasing this update to address community concerns and clarify the City’s goals for the site. 

The shopping center on the northeast corner of Huntington Drive and Buena Vista Street has faced challenges for several years. Its status as one of the City’s oldest centers, fragmented ownership across five property holders, and difficulties with past tenants have all served as obstacles to its success. In addition, there have been recent closures of anchor stores: Big Lots sold its ownership and closed, Rite Aid changed ownership and closed, and it has been announced that  99 Cents Only will be closing soon.

The City has been working with the shopping center property owners to develop a comprehensive plan for a complete renovation. This plan includes major facade enhancement, parking lot improvement, landscape upgrades, and new commercial tenants. To encourage discussion and facilitate the improvement process, the City hired an architect to develop a concept design of the projected improvements, an engineer to strategize parking lot improvements, and a commercial real estate consultant to assist in bringing quality tenants to the site.

The City is optimistic about the future of the shopping center. Given the current weak commercial market, patience is necessary to ensure the end product meets the community’s expectations.