(JORDAN/@SOONINSIMI: Iann Mena) – For many local residents, Mountaingate Plaza will be forever known as Larwin Square, the original name of one of the oldest shopping centers in Simi Valley.
For decades, Mountaingate has been painted, repaired and periodically spruced up, but has never earned back the glory and admiration it once had. Without a clearly defined plan for tenant facades, parking and signage, the entire area feels run down and disorganized.
Recently, an interesting idea surfaced that is intended to restore a measure of dignity and curb appeal to the mostly forgotten Mountaingate.
In the event of a new redevelopment project, Mountaingate would be a natural for that modern farmhouse architectural design. The idea is modeled after the stunning Vineyards shopping center recently unveiled in Porter Ranch. This farmhouse design certainly works for Porter Ranch but it might make even more sense in Simi.
Simi Valley has a reputation for being that easy-going, All-American town amidst the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of metro LA. In short, compared to Los Angeles and Orange County, Simi is a quiet country get-away.
Given the ample amount of space, possibilities for a revitalized Mountaingate are endless. One could envision the redevelopment project spanning from Valley Marketplace all the way to the Union Bank building near Golds Gym.
There is plenty of room for additional anchors. Why not a Nordstrom Rack or a TJ Maxx?
A remolded Mountaingate, with an upscale farmhouse theme, would attract interesting new retail and restaurant options – Silverlake Ramen, Zankou Chicken and Nothing Bundt Cakes come to mind.
The current, separate retail pads incorporated within the parking lot, could be redeveloped to accommodate even more options such as a Dutch Bros. or Canes.
As a city, Simi is forced to compete against neighboring towns for jobs, high quality residents and tax dollars. A plan to modernize yet maintain its small town charm, Simi might only look to a Farmhouse Face Lift as a possible way forward.
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