Originally a Mervyn’s, then a JCPenney, the east anchor space at Serramonte Center in Daly City sat vacant for years. That is until international Korean grocery chain Mega Mart leased the space with plans of opening the largest Korean food experience in the United States. The project was an opportunity to rethink the mall experience for the 21st century and sustainably transform an abandoned space into a vibrant community connector once again.
Jagalchi’s social, economic, and environmental impacts are substantial. With no proper downtown in Daly City, Serramonte Center is the gathering place for community. Jagalchi breathes new life into the mall—creating jobs, drawing crowds, and sparking renewed interest in the area as a foodie destination for the entire Bay Area. Reuse of the building core and shell also saved money and averted tons of CO2 from entering the local environment.