The mall opened in 1998 in Richmond's Annex neighborhood,[2] directly adjacent to the borders of El Cerrito and Albany, at a former Breuner's location. The commercial center's largest tenant is a 99 Ranch Supermarket, and the rest of the mall is flanked by Asian-owned shops and restaurants. The mall went "through major exterior and interior renovations"[3] in early 2022, increasing the number of food options as part of the shift to attract the increasing Asian demographic in the East Bay.[4]
The mall is located along Pierce Street a frontage road that runs parallel to Interstate 80, near Interstate 580. The nearest major junction is at Central Avenue, allowing access to the two freeways and to San Pablo Avenue.[5]AC Transit line L stops at Pierce Street and Central Avenue, near the mall offering increased convenience.[6]
Cerrito Creek
Cerrito Creek lies adjacent to Pacific East Mall, and runs through a portion of the parking lot. The president of Friends of Five Creeks, a local environmental organization, has criticized the mall management for allegedly allowing herbicide to spread into the creek area, mowing areas containing native plants, and failing to establish a remediation plan.[7]
