An extant asset
Still under heavy construction during my previous visit to Sacramento in 2017, on my most recent trip in 2025 I was finally able to see the finished product that was the former Downtown Plaza rechristened as Downtown Commons, or DOCO. And I have to say that I was pretty satisfied with what was standing.
The eastern end of Downtown Commons featuring large outdoor plazas and the Golden 1 Center arena.
The original proposal for redevelopment called for retaining the portion of the former Downtown Plaza between Fourth and Fifth Streets but the plans were changed to a full rebuild. Though this modification was somewhat of a disappointment, the replacement construction at least retained the qualities of a shopping mall with the retail spaces facing a common pedestrian corridor running in between.
Downtown Commons Mallmanac ca. 2022. View the full PDF version here.
I entered on the northern egress between the former Liberty House and the new Golden 1 Center. With shops only located on the west, there was plenty of space for people to gather. And unlike its predecessor during its twilight, there were plenty of patrons in attendance.
1 & 2- The eastern entrance and façade of Downtown Common’s southern half. 3 to 8- The upper tier of the western portion of the facility.
Though the beginning of the NBA season had yet to come and no events were going on in the Golden 1 Center, a small stage was being set up for an outdoor concert. I was definitely loving the vibe of the new Downtown Commons, but that glee was short lived as I noticed what was directly behind the stage.
It was a label scar displaying the outline of the famed Macy’s logo. The department store, housed in its distinctive earth tone home with its scalloped overhangs, futuristic googie cornices and sixties style stonework façade since 1963, had closed for good a mere couple of months before my arrival.
Downtown Commons pamphlet ca. 2023. View the full PDF version here.
I made my way to the one portion of Downtown Commons even slightly resembling its predecessor. The section of the former mall that was supposed to be integrated into its successor was demolished and replaced with a modernized structure reminiscent of Downtown Plaza.
1- The Century Theaters on the upper level. 2- Hot Dog on a Stick! 3 to 8- The bottom level of the double tiered mall portion.
The only double tiered piece of Downtown Commons, it hosted smaller vendors such as Panda Express, Lids and even a colorful Hot Dog on a Stick. Yard House and the Century Theaters could also be found within the concourse. It was here where the former mall entrance to Macy’s is located.
Downtown Commons Mallmanac ca. 2025. View the full PDF version here.
While the construction of Downtown Commons has been fully completed for several years and no expansions are planned, Macy’s departure is bringing inevitable changes. After the venerable department store moved on to greener pastures, the location was purchased by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians.
1- Macy’s label scar from the Golden 1 Center. 2 to 5- Macy’s former mall entrance. 5 to 7- Macy’s groovy sixties façade. 8- The main entrance to the western portion of Downtown Commons.
The tribe has hinted at possible uses such as more retail, a hotel or even a museum, though no plans have been firmed. Though there are no plans to completely bulldoze the space, there is no doubt that the sixties fabulous exterior seen as an outdated anachronism by most, will more than likely be lost.
