Troubled Moreno Valley Mall closed for safety violations - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Roger Vincent

February 25, 2026

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Moreno Valley Mall, a once-thriving regional shopping center in Riverside County, remains closed following unresolved fire safety violations that city officials deemed severe enough to red-tag most of its sections. The sprawling 1.1-million-square-foot indoor mall, built in 1992 on the site of a renowned automotive racing track, has faced significant challenges over the years. On Feb. 19, authorities shut down much of the mall after fire inspectors identified numerous safety issues, including the absence of a backup generator and improperly maintained fire protection systems. While some independently owned stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, along with the 16-screen Harkins Theatres cineplex, remain open due to their separate fire systems, the majority of the mall remains closed until these critical issues are resolved. The mall’s owners, IGP Business Group, have acknowledged the problems and stated they are working diligently to address them. A new generator has been installed, and upgrades to the fire sprinkler system are underway. However, city officials have pointed out additional concerns beyond safety, including property maintenance violations such as severely cracked pavement, dead landscaping, insufficient lighting, and vandalism. These issues, combined with hundreds of fire code violations, have left the mall in a precarious state. The prolonged closure highlights the broader challenges faced by aging shopping centers across the U.S., many of which are struggling to adapt to changing consumer trends and economic conditions. The Moreno Valley Mall’s situation is emblematic of a larger trend affecting outdated retail spaces nationwide. As traditional malls decline, they often fall victim to neglect or demolition, with developers replacing them with mixed-use projects like housing, hotels, and smaller commercial spaces. In this case, the mall’s future appears tied to such a transformation, as city officials hinted at potential demolition and redevelopment plans. This shift reflects broader economic shifts in retail and urban planning, where high-traffic locations are increasingly repurposed for more versatile and sustainable uses. For local communities, the closure of Moreno Valley Mall raises concerns about public safety,

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026