Demolition work underway at the former Redlands Mall

REDLANDS, Calif. — Activity at the long-vacant Redlands Mall site this week shows demolition work underway on site features and hardscaping, following the recent sale of the property to local owners Jack and Laura Dangermond.

Heavy equipment and construction crews were visible at the mall site Monday, and portions of hardscape appear to have been removed. Crews were seen digging out light poles and removing the pergola in the northeast corner of the property.

The work comes just two months after the Dangermonds purchased the property through Town Square Development Group LLC.

Representatives for the Dangermonds previously told Community Forward Redlands they planned to begin removing deteriorated structures while maintaining public access to parking used by downtown businesses, CVS and the Redlands Bowl. A full redevelopment plan is expected to be developed over the next year.

It was not immediately clear whether the work observed this week marks the start of full structural demolition or preliminary site preparation. A request for comment seeking clarification and a demolition timeline has been sent to the owners’ representatives.

The Redlands Mall has remained largely vacant since 2010 and has changed hands six times since 2000. The most recent owner, VPV State Street Village LLC, exited the project in November after selling the property and paying off its remaining debt, according to county records.

More information will be reported as details about the scope and timing of the work become available.