In a nostalgic journey through the quiet corridors of Sunrise Mall, this video captures the poignant stillness of a once-thriving retail giant during the Christmas season. With drone footage weaving between the festive yet forlorn atmosphere, we pay homage to the past while looking toward a future of renewal and transformation.
For over 50 years, Sunrise Mall has been a fixture in Citrus Heights, reflecting the ebb and flow of suburban retail trends. However, the advent of online shopping, shifts in consumer behavior, and the impact of the pandemic have led to a gradual decline, leaving behind a landscape of empty storefronts and quiet hallways.
Yet, the story of Sunrise Mall is on the brink of a new chapter. The Citrus Heights City Council has laid the groundwork for an ambitious redevelopment plan, dubbed the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan. This visionary project aims to transform the 100-acre site into a vibrant mixed-use community, promising a “21st Century Main Street” that will include up to 2,220 residential units, 320,000-square-feet of retail, 960,000-square-feet of office space, and 480 hotel rooms, alongside entertainment and green spaces.
The plan is driven by five big ideas: creating a community and regional destination, fostering livable neighborhoods, designing streets for people, connecting green spaces, and establishing an economic engine to rejuvenate the area. The phased redevelopment will begin with converting surplus parking areas, aiming to create a walkable, accessible, and sustainable urban environment.
As we explore the silent halls and vacant spaces of Sunrise Mall in this video, we stand at the crossroads of memory and possibility. This final visit is not just a farewell but a tribute to this now dead mall’s legacy and an anticipation of its rebirth. Join us in this reflective walk through history and envision the future of Citrus Heights’ beloved landmark.
