Santa Monica Mirror
Volume 2, Issue 24
November 29 - December 5, 2000

Pine Tree Circle: Mixed Use, Mixed Feelings

story and photo by
Clara Sturak Associate editor

Looking for that perfect little mall? One with conveniences like a dry cleaner and accountant's office, as well as shops filled with everything from multicultural gifties to huge 18th century armoires? You're thinking Montana Avenue, Main Street, or even somewhere in the Palisades, right? Think again. This is Pine Tree Circle, and it's in Topanga Canyon.

At first glance, Pine Tree Circle looks like a mid-level motel, or perhaps a medical plaza somewhere out in the Valley, but in fact it is a new shopping center in Topanga. The idea of a shopping center in Topanga is not unique, but it isn't common either, especially not one that is so glaringly "normal."

After a delay of two and a half years, during which Topanga old-timers and Native American activists attempted to put a stop to the development, Pine Tree Circle had its Grand Opening on October 7.

The old-timers just didn't like the idea of a mainstream shopping mall in the middle of their bohemian little town, and Topangans are well-known for anti-development activities. The Native Americans had more serious concerns, since the area had long been thought to be sacred burial grounds.

Says Kristen Carlson, 17-year-old daughter of developers Steve and Leslie Carlson (and third partner in the center), "First of all, we spent obscene amounts of money just to make sure that the land wasn't a burial ground. We had a Native American advisor and an archeologist on the site." They produced a 100-page report stating that there was nothing found on the property, she adds, "except three beads from the '60s. The nineteen '60s." She emphasizes, "we wouldn't have built anything here if it had been a burial ground."

The elder Carlsons (on vacation and unavailable for comment) are long-time Topangans -- and Topangan developers -- who are not new to the Canyon zeitgeist, and some residents' wish to preserve the Topanga of the love-bead epoch. "It's a wonderful community because everyone has an opinion," says the younger Carlson diplomatically, "but they should know what they're talking about before they state things as fact."

In a strange twist on urban gentrification, Pine Tree Circle has become meeting of the "old" and "new" Topangas. The storefronts include "Elliot Antiques," which sells only 17th and 18th century French and English antiques, along with the "Topanga Canyon Gallery," which features arts and crafts created by Topanga residents and "Topanga Homegrown," an eclectic gift and clothing shop owned by the Carlsons.

The dry cleaner and the "Waterlily" coffee house bookend a branch of Coldwell Banker. Most businesses at Pine Tree Circle, it should be noted, are owned by Topanga Canyon residents.

Explains Dee Chadwick, proprietor of "Shibui," a lovely (and expensive) furniture and interior design business, "there's a good energy here. All the people who've come into the store have told me that they're really enjoying what's happening [at Pine Tree Circle.] I think it's a shot in the arm for Topanga." She continues, "there have always been a lot of talented people in Topanga, hidden away in studios and guest houses. Now they have a place to show their work." (Chadwick is herself a 20-year resident of Topanga, who until she leased space in the center worked out of a small studio behind her home.)

Dry Cleaner Kayvon Mirafshar has other reasons to love Pine Tree Circle. His former storefront was located across the street in what Topangans call "The Center," the first (and for a long time the only) shopping center in Topanga. "People didn't want to go there anymore -- there were too many [vagrants] hanging around drinking -- it made people uncomfortable." Since the move to his new location, Mirafshar's business has increased 300%. "Most of my old customers have come back. That's reassuring!"

The Topanga residents I spoke with said they have gone to Pine Tree Circle only for the convenience of the dry cleaner and coffee shop. "It's great not to have to take the cleaning into Santa Monica," said one. The afternoon I was there, the "Waterlily" was bustling with customers ordering double lattes with special 'tonics' added. "It's good coffee, and at least it's not a Starbucks," said one satisfied customer.

Now that Pine Tree Circle is open for business, the main concern of Topanga's residents is that of traffic congestion. Its one entrance is around a blind curve, directly across the street from the "old" center, and a few yards away from what many Topangans consider the most dangerous intersection in the Canyon -- where Topanga Canyon Boulevard meets Old Topanga Road meets the Post Office parking lot.

Explained a self-described Topanga "old-timer," "you know, it's estimated that 20-40 thousand commuters come through Topanga every weekday. I've only been to [Pine Tree Circle] a few times, and each time I felt I was taking my life into my hands just trying to get out of the parking lot. It's just too many people for too small a space."

This sentiment may not go over well with Beth Sullivan and Lisa Elliott-Thomas, owners of "Elliott Antiques." Says Elliott-Thomas, "we have a huge following with lots of clients clamoring for us to open (their 'grand opening' is next week.)" "We feel that our store will help to make Topanga a more of a weekend destination," Says Sullivan, adding, "it's really not that far from Santa Monica or the West Valley."

As to whether such pricey stores will survive in Topanga -- which no one can deny is out of the way for most shoppers -- Carlson is philosophical, "I guess it's more of a wait and see kind of thing," she says. "If they have good merchandise and good service, they should be fine."

Pine Tree Circle also houses a children's store, yoga studio, art gallery, chiropractor's office, pilates studio and other businesses. Most stores are closed on Mondays.

"Elliott Antiques" will celebrate their "grand opening" on Saturday, December 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. "Shibui," will do the same on December 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served at both events. Pine Tree Circle is located 120 S. Topanga Canyon Boulevard.