Rick Caruso urges retailers to rebuild Pacific Palisades after wildfire devastation
Developer Rick Caruso is calling on major retailers and property owners to invest in Pacific Palisades, citing the strong turnout at the newly reopened Palisades Village as evidence of community readiness.
Following the January 2025 Palisades Fire that destroyed thousands of homes and over 6,800 structures, billionaire developer Rick Caruso is pressing property owners and large retailers to spearhead the commercial revival of Pacific Palisades. He pointed to the overwhelming attendance at Palisades Village’s grand reopening on Aug. 15, after a $100 million, 19-month restoration, as proof that the community is ready for businesses.
Caruso called on developers to “take the lead,” arguing that visible investment would encourage homeowners to rebuild and return. On X, he singled out Ralphs and Gelson’s, stating the area needs a traditional market; Gelson’s confirmed plans to rebuild its Sunset Blvd. store, though no opening date is set, while Ralphs has expressed interest without a timeline. A June update from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. listed both chains among planned rebuilds. Caruso also asked neighboring commercial owners to tidy vacant properties, emphasizing collective responsibility for the neighborhood’s recovery.
Why it matters
Retail investment could accelerate rebuilding and restore confidence for residents displaced by the 2025 fire.
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