Stonestown Shopping Center (aka Stonestown Galleria)

San Francisco, California - circa 1950s

A very moody old newspaper photograph of the Stonestown Shopping Center (now Stonestown Galleria) back in its 1950s heyday. Once again, there's that distinctive Emporium store facade design looming high over the mall, which can also be seen more clearly in one of my past entries on this classic San Francisco shopping center. A few Wikipedia notes on its early years:

"Stonestown Galleria, originally Stonestown Shopping Center was built in 1952, by the Stoneson brothers. It was built in the Lake Merced neighborhood along with apartments that could house 3,000-3,500 people. The major tenant, the Emporium department store, opened on July 16, 1952. Other early businesses included Walgreens, Butler Brothers, Gallenkamp Shoes, the Red Chimney restaurant and Woolworth's. There were also stores for local residents, including a grocery store, a bakery, and movie theaters. The Stoneson brothers' development firm was also responsible for the later Stoneridge Shopping Center and Lakeside Village."

Thanks for this image find goes (once again) to, Brian Neuroth, for spotting it in this great Flickr collection!

Mall history: 1952 - present
Developer: Stoneson Development Corp.
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Reference links: 1, 2
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2, 3

Stonestown Shopping Center (aka Stonestown Galleria)

San Francisco, California - circa 1950s

Swanky '50s postcard photo of the Stonestown Shopping Center (now Stonestown Galleria) in San Francisco, California. Lots of vintage store signage on display in this shot, including Walgreens, JM (was this the clothing store?), and The Emporium department store (with the distinctive "E" logo) in the background.

Thanks very much to, Brian Neuroth, for pointing me to this one!

Mall history: 1952 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Reference links: 1, 2
Previous entries: 1, 2

Bullock's Store at Stonestown Shopping Center

San Francisco, California - early '60s

Exterior view of a Bullock's department store court entrance and escalator in the Stonestown Shopping Center (aka Stonestown Galleria). Some notes from Wikipedia (where you can read the rest of the story) on the early history of the Bullock's chain:

"Bullock's was founded in 1907 at Seventh & Broadway in downtown Los Angeles by John G. Bullock, with the support of The Broadway Department Store owner Arthur Letts. In 1923, Bullock and business partner P.G. Winnett bought out Letts' interest after his death and the companies became completely separated. In 1929 Bullock & Winnett opened a luxury branch on Wilshire Boulevard, named, appropriately enough Bullocks Wilshire.

In 1944 Bullock's acquired I. Magnin & Co., a venerable, San Francisco-based luxury chain. This was followed by the acquisition of the then public-owned Bullock's-I. Magnin organization in 1964 by Federated Department Stores, much to the dismay of surviving founder P.G. Winnett, who publicly lambasted the deal (which was initiated by his own son-in-law Bullock's President Walter W. Candy Jr.)."

Mall history: 1952 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Reference links: 1, 2
Previous entries: 1

Stonestown Shopping Center (aka Stonestown Galleria)

San Francisco, California - early '60s

Vintage fifties exterior photos of The Emporium department store (which became Macy's in 1995), among others, at the venerable old Stonestown Shopping Center (aka Stonestown Galleria, or just "Stonestown") in San Francisco, California.

At first glance, these pictures kind of remind me of a drive-in movie theater--especially that first shot. Probably could have shown movies on that Emporium "E" storefront facade if they wanted to! At any rate, very cool and swanky design here, from the Golden Age of retail.

Mall history: 1952 - present
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Reference links: 1, 2
Previous entries: none