History of Fashion Island in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 4, 2024

Fashion Island is an outdoor shopping mall located in Newport Beach, California. It was opened in 1967 by The Irvine Company and serves as the central point of the Newport Center district. The mall features major department stores like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.

September 9, 1967: Grand Opening of Fashion Island

On September 9, 1967, Fashion Island, a sprawling 75-acre shopping center, officially opened its doors to the public. The $20 million project boasted 52 stores, four major department stores, and ample parking for 5,500 vehicles.

1967: Fashion Island Opens

Developed by The Irvine Company, Fashion Island opened in 1967 as the centerpiece of the Newport Center district in Newport Beach, California.

1968: Koi Pond Construction

Adding a touch of tranquility to the shopping experience, a landmark koi pond was constructed at Fashion Island in 1968, quickly becoming a beloved feature.

August 1977: Bullocks Wilshire Opens

Expanding its retail options, Fashion Island welcomed the upscale department store Bullocks Wilshire in August 1977.

March 1978: Neiman Marcus Joins Fashion Island

Further solidifying its reputation as a luxury shopping destination, Fashion Island saw the opening of Neiman Marcus in March 1978.

April 1982: JCPenney Closes, Atrium Court Rises

Marking a significant change, JCPenney closed its doors at Fashion Island in April 1982. The vacant space was subsequently transformed into the Atrium Court, a new enclosed shopping area featuring a food court and a variety of shops.

1986: El Torito Grill Opens

Expanding dining options at Fashion Island, the first-ever El Torito Grill opened in a stand-alone building adjacent to Bullock's in 1986.

1989: Major Expansion and Renovation

Guided by architect Jon Jerde's vision, Fashion Island underwent a major expansion and renovation in 1989. The project included the addition of the Island Terrace, a new food court and a seven-screen Edwards Theatres cinema. The existing center was significantly restructured, introducing pedestrian avenues radiating from a circular courtyard graced by the iconic "Iris fountain" designed by WET Design.

1990: Bullocks Wilshire Rebranded as I. Magnin

In a strategic move, all Bullocks Wilshire stores, including the Fashion Island location, were rebranded as I. Magnin in February 1990.

1992: Buffum's Closes, New Tenants Arrive

Following a chain-wide liquidation, Buffum's at Fashion Island closed in 1991. The building was subdivided in 1992 to accommodate new tenants, including Circuit City. That same year, The Cheesecake Factory, Bookstar, and a Hard Rock Cafe were among the new additions to the mall.

1993: Robinson's Becomes Robinsons-May

In a move to consolidate its West Coast brands, May Department Stores rebranded most Robinson's and May Company California stores, including the Fashion Island location, to Robinsons-May in 1993.

1995: I. Magnin Becomes Bullock's Women's Store

As Federated Department Stores phased out the I. Magnin brand in 1995, the Fashion Island location was rebranded as a Bullock's Women's Store in June of that year.

1996: Major Anchor Changes and Bloomingdale's Arrival

Federated Department Stores' acquisition of Broadway Stores, Inc. in 1996 led to a reshuffling of Fashion Island's anchors. The Bullock's Women's store became a women's-only Macy's, and the original anchor, The Broadway, was transformed into Bloomingdale's. This marked Bloomingdale's highly anticipated entry into the Orange County market.

1997: Bloomingdale's Home Store Opens

Capitalizing on the success of Bloomingdale's, a dedicated Bloomingdale's Home Store opened on the third floor of the Atrium Court building in 1997.

1998: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Opens

Expanding the fine dining scene at Fashion Island, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened its doors adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe in 1998.

2003: Renovation Enhances Mediterranean Design

Fashion Island underwent a significant renovation in 2003, enhancing its Mediterranean aesthetic with refreshed landscaping, new architectural elements, and the addition of a charming carousel.

2005: Hard Rock Cafe Closes, Neiman Marcus Expands

The Hard Rock Cafe at Fashion Island closed its doors in 2005, making way for Blue Coral, a new seafood restaurant. That same year, Neiman Marcus underwent a major renovation, adding a third level to its existing structure.

2006: Federated and May Merger Brings Changes

The merger of Federated Department Stores and May Department Stores in 2006 resulted in the conversion of Robinsons-May to a full-line Macy's. The stand-alone Macy's Women's store closed, and Bookstar rebranded as Barnes & Noble, moving to a larger space within the Atrium Court.

2009: $100 Million Renovation Begins

Embarking on another phase of transformation, Fashion Island underwent a $100 million renovation starting in 2009. The project included the demolition of the former Macy's Women's store to make way for Nordstrom, plans for a new multi-tenant building anchored by Dean & Deluca, the replacement of the Island Terrace food court with upscale dining options, and a focus on attracting high-end tenants.

2009: Dean & Deluca Cancels Plans

The economic downturn of 2009 led to Dean & Deluca canceling its plans to open at Fashion Island, delaying the construction of the multi-tenant building it was set to occupy.

2010: Forever 21 Opens

Capitalizing on the vacancy left by Circuit City's closure in 2009, Forever 21 opened a large store at Fashion Island in 2010.

2010: True Food Kitchen Replaces Blue Coral

In 2010, True Food Kitchen replaced Blue Coral, signaling a shift towards healthier dining options at Fashion Island.

December 2011: Edwards Cinemas Becomes Island Cinema

The Irvine Company purchased the Edwards Cinemas in 2011, renovated the seven-screen complex, and reopened it as the Island Cinema in December 2011.

2011: Whole Foods Market Signs On

In 2011, Whole Foods Market agreed to replace Dean & Deluca as the anchor tenant in the delayed multi-tenant building, breathing new life into the project.

2012: El Torito Grill Closes

After more than two decades at Fashion Island, the El Torito Grill closed its doors in 2012.

2012: Whole Foods Market, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Ulta Beauty Open

The year 2012 saw the much-anticipated opening of Whole Foods Market, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Ulta Beauty at Fashion Island, adding a mix of retail and grocery options.

2013: New Construction Begins

The year 2013 marked the beginning of new construction at Fashion Island, including a multi-tenant building next to Macy's and two restaurant spaces near the southern entrance designed for upscale dining concepts Fig & Olive and Red O.

2014: El Torito Becomes Cucina Enoteca

The former El Torito Grill space found new life in 2014, reopening as Cucina Enoteca, a locally owned restaurant concept.

2017: Island Cinema Closes

After a successful run, the Island Cinema closed its doors in 2017, leaving a void in entertainment options at Fashion Island.

2019: Forever 21 and Roy's Close

The year 2019 saw the closure of Forever 21 as part of a bankruptcy filing and the shuttering of Roy's, leaving two prominent spaces vacant.

2022: Forever 21 Demolished, JOEY Opens, Fig & Olive Closes

The former Forever 21 building at Fashion Island was demolished in 2022, making way for a planned RH gallery store set to open in 2024. Meanwhile, the Canadian restaurant group JOEY took over the former Roy's space, and Fig & Olive closed its doors.

2024: RH Gallery Store Slated to Open

A new chapter for Fashion Island is set to begin in 2024 with the highly anticipated opening of a large-scale RH gallery store on the site of the former Forever 21.