End of an Era:

The Historic Downtown Sacramento Macy’s Closes Its Doors

Macy’s, the iconic American department store chain, has announced plans to close 66 underperforming stores nationwide by March 2025 as part of its “Bold New Chapter” initiative. Among these closures are two locations in the Sacramento region, including the historic downtown Sacramento Macy’s store.

Established in the 1960s, the downtown Sacramento Macy’s was more than just a department store. At the time of its construction, it was the largest retail space in the region and featured the city’s first and only escalator. The store’s opening marked a pivotal moment in the city’s commercial development and became a central part of what  would later become the Downtown Plaza, a bustling shopping center adjacent to the Capitol building.

The Capitol building itself sits on what was once M Street, later renamed Capitol Mall to mirror Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. The development of this area, and the infrastructure surrounding it, played a crucial role in shaping the city’s landscape.

One of the most significant infrastructure projects in downtown Sacramento was the Interstate 5 (I-5) interchange near the Capitol building. This interchange was the only federally funded project from President John F. Kennedy’s administration in Sacramento. The project was essential to divert increasing traffic volumes away from downtown streets. Without this elevated freeway ramp, traffic on I-5 would have been forced to stop at J Street and continue through downtown, creating significant congestion. The high freeway ramps were specifically designed to route traffic around the city center, preserving accessibility while keeping the heart of the city functional for pedestrians and local traffic.

The downtown Sacramento Macy’s store was more than a shopping destination; it represented the city’s growth and modernization in the mid-20th century. It was a place where families gathered, professionals shopped during their lunch breaks, and holiday displays brought joy to thousands. For decades, it remained an anchor in the Downtown Plaza, witnessing the city’s evolution from a quiet government town to a bustling urban center.

However, as consumer habits shifted and the rise of e-commerce transformed the retail landscape, traditional department stores like Macy’s faced increasing challenges. The closure of the downtown location marks the end of an era for a store that played a key role in Sacramento’s identity for more than six decades.

The transformation of downtown Sacramento continues, but the legacy of establishments like Macy’s, combined with the foresight of past infrastructure projects, remains an integral part of the city’s historical narrative. The store may be closing its doors, but its impact on the community and its role in shaping downtown Sacramento will not be forgotten.

As the city moves forward, residents and visitors alike will remember the escalators that once symbolized progress and the stories of a vibrant downtown, forever tied to the historic Macy’s that stood proudly near the Capitol for generations.