Westgate Mall on Saratoga-San Jose Border Pays Tribute to Community

Shopping malls have a reputation for having no distinct features. Yet Westgate Shopping Center, situated between the Saratoga foothills and greater San Jose, still shows unique signs of community.

At 3 p.m. on a Friday, parents hold the hands of their young children, teenagers trickle in from Saratoga High School three miles away, and vendors scan the premises for potential customers.

The mall, at the corner of Saratoga and Hamilton Avenue, is still relatively empty, but signs of the holidays can be seen, with festive lights and holiday advertisements.

On Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. Santa will pay a visit to the mall, which will host a slew of activities such as balloon artists, face painting and live entertainment with Radio Disney.

The mall has several new developments coming up, further bringing locals to congregate there.

A Wi-Fi tech lounge and San Jose's 95.3 Hot Country radio station will come to the mall early next year. An expanded food court is also anticipated to open in the coming months. 

On the mall's website, customers are advised that the center's makeover is expected to be completed by summer 2013.

The new renovation includes adding a food court that will offer a variety of affordable dining options; a children’s soft play area; tech lounge; family restrooms with a mother’s lounge; and several comfortably furnished common areas offering exciting and entertaining spaces.

New flooring and lighting will be installed throughout the interior common areas.