Back to the Future mall sells for redevelopment. Twin Pines will be No Pines soon

Marty McFly gazes at the fog-covered delivery van as the DeLorean emerges, marking the world’s introduction to Doc Brown’s time machine. This iconic scene from Back to the Future was filmed in the south parking lot of the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry, where fans gather each October 25th to celebrate.

Now, that blacktop and the surrounding 56 acres are changing hands. RCB Equities and Real Estate Development Associates, LLC have secured a $115 million loan to purchase the aging mall in San Gabriel Valley. Although specific redevelopment plans have yet to be revealed, the new owners are excited about the potential transformation of the site. Brian Dror of RCB Equities emphasized the opportunity to create something that the community will embrace.

The Puente Hills Mall first opened in March 1974, featuring major department stores like Broadway and Robinson’s, along with unique shops such as the animatronic churro shop, Whimsyworks. Over the years, it hosted memorable events like a Renaissance Faire with Lady Godiva and even a wedding in the central court. The Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry gained fame for its appearance in Back to the Future as the Twin Pines Mall, where Marty McFly first witnesses the DeLorean time machine. This iconic scene, filmed in the mall's south parking lot, has turned the location into a pilgrimage site for fans of the movie, who gather annually on October 25th to pay homage to the film.

In 1994, the mall added an Edwardian-era carousel and shifted its focus to serve a changing demographic, catering to a growing Asian and Hispanic population. Despite multimillion-dollar renovations and multiple ownership changes, the mall has declined into a near-abandoned state, with empty stores and few visitors.

With legacy malls increasingly disappearing, the future of the Puente Hills Mall is uncertain. The new owners have hinted at a denser development, but the specifics remain unknown—perhaps only a time machine could reveal what lies ahead.

There is currently a Back to the Future Meet Up scheduled at the mall on October 25 at 10pm. CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICAL MEET UP LINK.