By Sara Beth Williams–
Concern over Sunrise Mall’s condition continues to mount, as businesses still open inside the mall call for the community to rally together to support their livelihood, while some residents on social media are calling for the mall to be torn down.
In response to a growing sense of uncertainty following the recent release of an inspection report on Sunrise Mall, the City of Citrus Heights issued clarifying statements to The Sentinel regarding safety, ongoing code violations, and the future of the aging shopping center.
In an email statement, city officials emphasized that there is no imminent threat to public safety in areas of the mall that are currently occupied. The mall remains open to both the public and active businesses.
Currently, more than 20 businesses remain open to shoppers from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, including anchor store JCPenney and other national retailers like Famous Footwear, T-Mobile, Kay Jewelers, Claire’s, and Shoe Palace. Royal Stage Theater and several other independently owned clothing, accessories, furniture, and jewelry stores also remain open.
However, city staff noted that ongoing neglect of property maintenance are a concern, particularly as they could impact long-term safety and the condition of the property if left unresolved. In an effort to motivate the majority property owner to address the multiple violations, the city has filed a lawsuit against Namdar Realty Group, demanding immediate abatement of all violations.
In a July 24 email, the city confirmed no code violations have been addressed so far, including multiple health, safety, and fire code violations.
Sacramento Metro Fire District Captain Mark Nunez could not confirm whether Sunrises Mall is under an active fire watch due to the faulty fire alarm systems that have yet to be repaired. Based on a Metro Fire report conducted during the inspection, which took place in mid-May, an active fire watch is required when fire sprinkler and alarm systems are not working properly.
Nunez said that an active fire watch is typically conducted by private third-party entities, like security companies, and is handled by property owners or the city’s building department.
Namdar Realty Group was given copies of the inspection report and subsequent Notice to Abate on June 11, lawsuit documents state. The Sentinel has attempted multiple times reach out to Namdar Realty Group, Sunrise Mall management, and management at another mall which is also owned by Namdar Realty Group for comment. Namdar is preparing a statement according to Adelaide Godwin, associate vice president of Upspring, a public relations and marketing firm based in New York.
When asked whether the entire mall, including current open businesses were inspected, the city stated on July 24 that “All accessible areas were inspected.” Lawsuit documents filed on July 15 in Sacramento Superior Court state that only a portion of the mall had been inspected due to the size of the property.
Asked whether the city has considered demolishing portions of the mall, such as the long-vacant former Elephant Bar restaurant on the property, city staff clarified that the city does not have the authority to demolish private property. Demolition decisions lie with the owner, and the city’s role is limited to ensuring safety and code compliance.
“The property is privately owned,” city officials stated. “Demolition is not for the city to consider at this stage.”
While the mall remains open to the public, the situation has highlighted concerns about how long the property can remain viable or safe without intentional investment in maintenance or forward progress on redevelopment.
The Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan, a major redevelopment guide approved by the Citrus Heights City Council in 2021, lays out a longterm vision to transform the 100-acre mall site into a walkable, modern town center with residential, retail, office, and recreational space. Earlier this year, dozens of residents from Citrus Heights and surrounding areas came out to speak in favor of the Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan during an April 23 City Council meeting, in which the City Council rejected a Specific Plan amendment request submitted by Ethan Conrad Properties. Most were in favor of the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan as-is.
Opponents of the Sunrise Tomorrow Plan claim the plan is not economically viable, criticize the long timeline of the plan, and warn that the deteriorating condition of the mall needs to be addressed immediately in order to save businesses inside.
What progress has been made so far?
According to the city, progress is being made toward supporting the build-out of the site, including the approval of Sunrise Montessori Preschool and an electric vehicle charging station. In an update, Ethan Conrad Properties said via email that the preschool hopes to be operational by the beginning of the school year, and the EV charging station is open and fully operational.
The city also approved a Tentative Parcel Map and development agreement in June 2024 to support the development of the Sunrise Tomorrow Hotel project, with “deal-making talks” involving potential hotel brands underway, according to the city.
