Let's Get it Straight - Whizin's Shopping Center

The Whizin's Shopping Center, sandwiched between Roadside and Agoura roads, has been in need of some TLC for quite some time now. Although its muted color scheme and low profile fade into the landscape well, it can hardly compete with the newer, more modern architecture that has sprung up around Agoura Hills. Whizin's is due for a remodel and is on the road toward getting one--sort of.

The Property

The property itself is a near perfect rectangular plot of land that is part of the Agoura Village Specific Plan. Bordered by Cornell Road to the west, Roadside Drive to the north, and Agoura Road along the south, the property was owned by the Whizin family for more than five decades before being sold to an investment firm in 2007. Its current tenants include Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, The Latigo Kid, The Canyon Club, The Bar Method, antique dealers and a few other eateries and stores.

The History

Probably most easily characterized by the clock tower and arcade, the area's oldest shopping center has undergone many transformations over the years. At its birth, the location was occupied by a four-pump gas station and small hamburger stand. The center's many renovations included rodeo arena, dirt motorcycle track, the Cornell Corners restaurant—now inhabited by Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, and a children's go-cart track. The row of buildings now taken up by antique dealers was built in 1968 and The Canyon and arcade were completed in 1974. Agoura's past can be seen in the wagon wheels, buggy hitches and historical signage on display in the arcade.

What's Really Happening?

Tucker Investment Group of Calabasas purchased the property with hopes of revitalizing it in a way consistent with its other projects, such as Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. The new construction proposal includes six additional buildings, totaling approximately 14,850 square feet of new retail and restaurant space, and approximately 5,800 square feet of new outdoor dining area and public open space. There are plans for a courtyard with gardens, fountains and a small play area to be built in the existing parking lot, in front of the arcade. The Whizin Center project also includes reconfiguration and new construction of parking lots. The landmark clock will remain an integral part of the improvements.

This project has been on the table since 2008 and like many other victims of the economy, it has hit the skids. As of today, a building permit for the interior and exterior remodel of the arcade portion of the center is in process. There are drawings of all proposed improvements and construction, but most haven't even hit the Planning Commission's desk for review.