$100M Asian-Themed Mall Proposed in Milpitas

A proposed $100 million Asian-themed mall and hotel in Milpitas is being touted as a destination that will feature a unique shopping experience.

"Tourists from around the world are just going to come," said John Nguyen, who plans to own a store at the mall. "Because it's a new concept. It's something that's never been done before in the United States."

The plan is to demolish buildings from where the Furniture City Plus to Dollar Tree now stand at the McCarthy Ranch shopping center. In its place would be a 240-room hotel and 285,000 square-feet of retail space for what is being called The Pacific Mall.

The mall will be modeled after a hugely successful Asian-themed mall in Toronto.

Instead of leasing spaces, small businesses will own their spots. The concept is to encourage mom-and-pop stores to have a mall of their own.

"That allows more diversity," Nguyen said. "That's going to bring more people to the mall because they want to see that diversity."

Some are concerned about the increase in traffic a project like this would bring. But neighbors said they hope people will ride their bikes or take light rail to the mall to cut down on cars on the road.

Construction could begin next year with an opening in 2016.

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