BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – The City Lights shopping center hasn’t even broken ground over the old abandoned footprint of East Hills Mall, but northeast Bakersfield appears to be unanimous in its excited anticipation. At least that’s what we found in our mini-survey.

You have to look pretty hard to find indications that work has actually started on the City Lights commercial project in northeast Bakersfield. But finding signs of enthusiasm? That’s pretty easy.

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The 36-acre property adjacent to the south side of Highway 178, between Bernard and Oswell streets, is still just fenced-off weeds and mounds of dirt — but northeast Bakersfield residents know what’s coming to their underserved part of town, and they’re ready for it.

“I think it’s super cool,” said barista Madison Mooney. “I think it’s going to bring a lot of business to the area and I think it’s going to amplify it in a way where people will feel excited to shop around here. They’re not going to travel to other parts of town, so they’ll be able to shop where they live, which I like.”

It’s been that way since East Hills Mall’s gradual slide into irrelevance and ultimate demolition. Now, thanks to Southern California developer-investors Michael Heslov and Stephen Zimmerman, who paid $7.2 million for the property in June 2021, that’s changing.

City Lights’ confirmed tenants include Boot Barn, Sprouts, Ross, Ulta, Skechers, Marshalls, Burlington, PetSmart, Hobby Lobby, Bath & Body Works, Tilly’s, Five Below and In-n-Out. More will be announced as leasing continues.

“For one thing, I think it’ll increase property values,” said Christina Solari. “It’ll make people stay and shop in this area to help the economic development of this area. I think it’s a very positive thing. You know, since they closed down East Hills Mall, it’s been very depressed around here. So I think it’s a very, very positive move.”

Megan Sydlowski’s first job at age 16 was at the Wet Seal clothing store in East Hills Mall.

“I’ve seen it rise and fall,” she said. “There’s not much out here on the east side. Everything’s been growing westward. So I think it would be great. My mom would appreciate it. She lives up here.”

“It’s great to see some development there,” said Patrick Muldoon, in the drive-through line at Starbucks with his wife Jackie. “You know, I hate to see just an undeveloped lot there. So to get some more retail and commercial space, more shopping options for people here on the east side, is great to see.”

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“I think it’s great that they’re developing it,” said Jackie Muldoon. “Yeah, it needs it. So, yeah, we’re excited.”

What’s still difficult for many to figure out is that the northeast is generally the more attractive part of the city. Rolling hills, trees, cooler temperatures, a strong, alluring river. Just less shopping.

“It is a really beautiful part of town with a lot of really amazing people,” said Mooney, “so I’m happy that they’re going to get some energy over here.”

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