In the heart of the Pacific Palisades, Rick Caruso's Palisades Village stands as a beacon of resilience amid the devastation caused by recent wildfires. The nearly three-acre, 125,000 square foot shopping center, which houses 42 businesses and services, has been closed since the catastrophic event in January. However, plans are underway to reopen, with Caruso expressing optimism about the future.
"We are really waiting until the area around us gets cleaned so it's safe and the streets are fully reopened again... Everything will be fresh and new so we need some time to do that, but the plan is beginning of the year," said Caruso, founder and executive chairman of Caruso, the company that owns and manages Palisades Village. The ambitious target for reopening is set for early 2026, a timeline that some may view as optimistic given the extensive rebuilding needed in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Despite the destruction that has swept through the area, Palisades Village remained largely unscathed, thanks to the proactive measures taken by Caruso's team. The shopping center benefited from the deployment of private firefighters and water tenders, as well as the use of fire-resistant materials in its construction, which was completed in 2018. Caruso noted, "You want to protect your property. We protected our property, and we also freed up L.A. fire resources to go protect other properties. We were very much independent. We were also loaning our equipment to L.A. fire department that was short equipment. We're very much a part of the community. It was the smart thing to do."
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fires, Caruso believes that the reopening of Palisades Village is crucial for the recovery of the area. He stated that the village can serve as a vital hub for the community, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and connection. "We have received multiple messages from friends and customers that lived and lost their homes in this community, asking us to come back and telling us they're eager for us to rebuild, and they want us to be part of the new community," said Tancredi Deluca, owner of Angelini restaurant and bar, located within Palisades Village.
According to data from Palisades Village, 35% of their regular customers lost their homes in the fire, while 65% reside outside the Palisades. This statistic underscores the significance of the shopping center not just as a commercial venture, but as a cornerstone of community life. Caruso is hopeful that the majority of businesses will return, maintaining the character and charm that residents have come to cherish.
Another notable casualty of the fires is Camp Josepho, a beloved Scout camp in the Pacific Palisades that will also be rebuilt. The camp, which had provided outdoor experiences for thousands over its 84 years of operation, was destroyed in the blaze. The loss of such a cherished institution has left a significant void in the community.
In the wake of the fires, local leaders and residents are coming together to support one another. The rebuilding process is expected to take years, but the community's determination to restore what was lost remains strong. As Caruso noted, "Bringing life back to the village is essential for the community’s recovery."
While the timeline for reopening Palisades Village may seem ambitious, the commitment to revitalizing the area is evident. Caruso's proactive measures during the fire have not only protected his property but have also contributed to the broader community's safety. As the area begins to heal, the hope is that Palisades Village will emerge as a symbol of resilience and renewal.
Overall, the journey ahead will be challenging, but with the support of the community and the efforts of dedicated individuals like Caruso, there is a palpable sense of hope for the future. The Palisades Village aims to not only reopen its doors but to also play a pivotal role in the recovery and revitalization of the Pacific Palisades.
As the community rallies together to rebuild, the spirit of resilience shines through. The stories of loss and survival are intertwined, and as Palisades Village prepares for its reopening, it stands as a testament to the strength of the community and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
