AO and Shopoff Realty Investments Break Ground on Highly Anticipated Repositioning Project

Bolsa Pacific replaces Westminster Mall with new retail, housing and community gathering spaces 

Westminster, CA — AO, a leading full-service architecture firm with expertise spanning the full spectrum of commercial real estate, broke ground on Bolsa Pacific at Westminster. Developed by Shopoff Realty Investments, the new mixed-use project replaces the former vacant Westminster Mall in Orange County to create a thriving 83.3-acre downtown destination that brings much-needed housing, retail and hospitality to the area. 

The development of Bolsa Pacific comes at a time where retail repositioning reaches one of the top real estate trends as 46% of former malls have transformed into vibrant mixed-use environments (Capital One Shopping). At 83.3-acres, Bolsa Pacific is slated to be one of the largest and most multifaceted retail repositioning projects in Southern California.  

“Projects of this scale and importance require deep collaboration and a shared commitment to place-making,” said Shopoff Realty Investments President and CEO Bill Shopoff. “Our partnership with AO has elevated the design of Bolsa Pacific and helped move the transformation of this site forward in a way that will deliver lasting value to the community.” 

Bolsa Pacific is envisioned as a transformative mixed-use destination, delivering approximately 2,250 residential units, 220,000 square feet of retail, a 120-key hotel, and more than 15 acres of publicly accessible open space. Designed to create a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment, the project will introduce a dynamic mix of housing, shopping, dining, and gathering spaces that serve both the local community and the broader region. AO is serving as the master planner and design architect for the residential and retail components, leading the vision for a cohesive and integrated development experience. 

In 2024, the scope of the master plan expanded significantly from the original 25.8-acre assemblage to encompass the full 83.3-acre former mall site. This expansion enables a comprehensive reimagining of the property, transforming a single-use retail center into a connected, mixed-use district. The larger footprint allows for enhanced circulation, a more robust open space network, and a thoughtful integration of uses that support walkability, urban connectivity, and the delivery of much-needed housing. 

“What makes Bolsa Pacific so special is the level of collaboration behind it. This has truly been a team effort between Shopoff, the City of Westminster, and the entire consultant group, all working together to solve challenges, align around a shared vision, and move the project forward,” said Ioanna Magiati, partner at AO. “From early visioning to a comprehensive master plan, this transformation of Westminster Mall lays the foundation for a true mixed-use community destination rooted in place and possibility.” 

For the residential component of Bolsa Pacific, AO planned an inclusive environment that combines modern multifamily market-rate and affordable housing as well as for-sale townhomes. It will bring a total of five multifamily buildings to the south of the development, each consisting of a contemporary design by AO that fosters urban connectivity while preserving a neighborhood-feel through open-air space, walking trails, and private residential courtyards. Three groups of townhome villages were strategically planned to be at the western and northern portions of Bolsa Pacific, fostering a serene residential oasis while being steps from a vibrant retail corridor. 

The project’s 220,000 square feet of retail will draw in residents and visitors alike through an al-fresco environment that will provide offerings for everyone. It will incorporate a mix of modern dining options along with food and beverage offerings infused throughout, encouraging open-air dining all year round. Quick-service retail will also be located in the ground floor of each residential building, providing easy access to food and drinks throughout Bolsa Pacific.  

Demolition of the former Westminster Mall has begun. The existing Target will remain open during construction, with a new store planned and relocated within the overall development. Located along the 405-freeway and 10-minutes from the Los Angeles County border, over 370,000 cars will drive past Bolsa Pacific each day (PIRG).  

As an urban catalyst, Bolsa Pacific marks a new chapter for Westminster’s growth and identity. AO’s close collaboration with city leadership and deep understanding of the community have been instrumental in shaping a shared vision that revitalizes the city’s core, enhances livability, and sets the stage for sustainable urban renewal. 

About AO 

AO is a relationship-focused, design-driven architectural, landscape, interior, and planning services firm helping clients create places where people and businesses flourish. In its 52nd year, the firm boasts wide-ranging expertise across multifamily, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, science and technology, data centers, restaurant, healthcare, office, industrial, parking, landscape, interiors, and global design, modular, commercial, and public utilities. AO is known for its ardent collaboration with developers and owners and deep expertise across various building types. AO operates from studios in Orange, San Diego, Oakland, and Sunnyvale, CA, New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL, where it serves clients across the Americas, Asia, and beyond. AO has also developed a specialized, valued expertise with sports-related and mixed-use developments, designing projects across the US, including Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Utah, as well as California. Visit aoarchitects.com to learn more.