A Dick’s House of Sport location, showing the chain’s signature large-format design with an outdoor turf field and batting cages. Macerich and Dick’s told Fresno preservation commissioners in February that a similar store is planned for Fashion Fair Mall, contingent on demolition of the vacant former Forever 21 building. (Dick’s Sporting Goods)
A nearly $22 million building permit has been issued for a new commercial building at Fashion Fair, complete with new signage, showing that work is moving forward for a flagship House of Sport location in Fresno.
The permit, issued May 15 by the Fresno Building Department, is valued at $21.9 million and covers construction of a two-story commercial building at 755 E. Shaw Ave.
San Francisco-based Gensler is listed as the project architect. Los Angeles-based WDS Construction is heading up construction.
The address is the same as the former Forever 21 building, which has been the focus of redevelopment plans by mall owner Macerich.
Earlier this year, Macerich and Dick’s Sporting Goods sought approval to demolish the nearly 55-year-old building to make way for House of Sport, a larger concept that combines traditional sporting goods retail with interactive attractions for customers.
The Fresno Historic Preservation Commission reviewed whether the building warranted historic designation after a city-commissioned report found it did not meet the criteria. The commission found no reason to protect the structure from demolition.
The existing building is two stories, as is the building described in the permit. It is unclear whether the permit reflects the design of the planned House of Sport.
Macerich and Dick’s Sporting Goods did not respond to requests for comment.
Previous plans call for construction to be completed in 2027.
The vacant former Forever 21 building at 755 E. Shaw Ave. shows the stacked concrete block volumes and geometric overhangs characteristic of its Late Modernist design. City of Fresno image
Unlike a traditional Dick’s Sporting Goods store, House of Sport locations usually range from 120,000 to 150,000 square feet and have amenities such as batting cages, climbing walls, golf simulators and outdoor turf fields.
Dick’s Sporting Goods has been growing the House of Sport concept nationwide over the past few years. The retailer has said the format is central to its long-term growth strategy, with plans to operate between 75 and 100 House of Sport locations across the country by 2027.
The permit comes as Fashion Fair undergoes a broader redevelopment effort. Construction recently started on the mall’s Outdoor Village, which includes new landscaping, seating areas, lighting and the first complete renovation of the public restrooms in more than four decades.
More tenant improvements and storefront remodels are also expected before the holiday shopping season, including Seoul Meat Co., MongQo Mongolian BBQ, Angel Sweets, Potato Corner and Escapology, along with updated locations for Champs Sports, Bath & Body Works and Hot Dog on a Stick.