History of Stonestown Galleria in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

Stonestown Galleria is a shopping mall situated on the West Side of San Francisco, California. Its location is notable for being immediately north of San Francisco State University and in proximity to the former Mercy High School campus (closed in 2020) and Lowell High School. The mall serves as a retail hub for the surrounding neighborhoods and student population.

July 16, 1952: The Emporium opens

On July 16, 1952, The Emporium, an anchor store, opened at Stonestown Shopping Center. Other early businesses included Walgreens, Butler Brothers Department Stores, 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.

1952: Stonestown Shopping Center Built

In 1952, the Stonestown Galleria, originally named Stonestown Shopping Center, was built by the Stoneson brothers in the Lakeside neighborhood, bordering Lake Merced.

1970: United Artists Cinema opened

In 1970, a United Artists Cinema opened in what is now the parking lot behind the Stonestown Galleria. The cinema was designed by San Francisco architect George K Raad.

1977: Bullock's opened at the mall

In 1977, Bullock's opened at Stonestown Galleria.

1987: Stonestown renovation and redevelopment

In 1987, Stonestown underwent a renovation and major redevelopment spearheaded by architect John Field, adding one story of stores, a food court, a glass ceiling, marble floors, and 350 new underground parking spaces. The Stonestown Shopping Center was renamed Stonestown Galleria.

1988: Bullock's converted to Nordstrom

In 1988, Bullock's at Stonestown Galleria was converted to Nordstrom.

1995: Federated Department Stores bought Broadway Stores Inc.

In 1995, Federated Department Stores bought Broadway Stores Inc.

1996: The Emporium converted to Macy's

In 1996, The Emporium was converted to Macy's after Federated Department Stores bought Broadway Stores Inc. in 1995.

December 2003: Heitman Financial abandons construction efforts

In December 2003, Heitman Financial abandoned efforts to construct new residential units and a grocery store next to the mall due to neighborhood concerns about traffic and safety.

2004: General Growth Properties buys Stonestown Galleria

In 2004, General Growth Properties purchased Stonestown Galleria from Pacific Acquisition Corp. for $312 million.

November 2017: Macy's announces store closure

In November 2017, Macy's announced plans to close its store at Stonestown Galleria.

March 2018: Macy's closes its store

In March 2018, Macy's closed its store at Stonestown Galleria.

June 6, 2018: Article reports possible Nordstrom closure

On June 6, 2018, an article reported that Nordstrom might close within 18 months, but also stated that Nordstrom had no store closures to announce.

September 14, 2019: Nordstrom closed

On September 14, 2019, Nordstrom closed, leaving Target as one of the last anchor tenants.

2019: Former Macy's anchor space demolished and renovated

In 2019, the former Macy's anchor space was demolished and renovated to house Regal Cinemas, Whole Foods Market, and Sports Basement.

2020: Mercy High School Closed

In 2020, Mercy High School, located near Stonestown Galleria, closed down.

2020: United Artists Cinema closed

In Spring 2020, the United Artists Cinema closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Brookfield Properties announces plans to renovate the mall

In 2021, Brookfield Properties, the mall's owners, announced plans to renovate the mall into a 'town center' under their Stonestown Reimagined vision.