La Mesa debuts grand plans for former Macy’s site

By Art Thrives

April 1, 2026 (La Mesa) – In a surprise announcement today, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis announced that the city has acquired the former Macy’s department store building at Grossmont Center.

“I’m delighted to reveal that this site will soon be home to a spacious new library and long-awaited community theatre,” said Arapostathis, a retired teacher and long-time junior theater leader.  He added, “The new Jewel of the Hills center will become a cultural and arts hub for our community, fulfilling our promise of a state-of-the-art library as well as providing event space and a stage for youth theater and other community groups.”

The influx of library and theatre patrons is also expected to attract new shoppers to Grossmont Center, which has been undergoing cosmetic upgrades.

To ease concerns over the parking shortage with new housing being built downtown, the old La Mesa library will be torn down and replaced with a three-story parking garage in La Mesa’s downtown village.

City council members, Grossmont Center representatives and community leaders at today’s impromptu press conference cheered the news, shouting, “Bravo!”

Happy April Fool’s Day!

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