A New Chapter for the Third Street Promenade: Barnes & Noble Reopens Its Doors
On a bright Wednesday morning, a significant milestone was reached in Santa Monica as the Third Street Promenade welcomed back a beloved institution: Barnes & Noble. After more than six years of dormancy, the bookstore giant opened its doors to eager book lovers, marking a nostalgic return to a space that had been a cornerstone of the community for over two decades. The reopening of this two-story location at 1318 Promenade is not just a commercial event; it is a heartfelt reunion for many who cherish the memories associated with the store.
A Nostalgic Return
Barnes & Noble was a prominent feature of the Promenade’s northeast corner for 22 years before it closed its doors in January 2018. The reopening is a full-circle moment for the community, rekindling fond memories of browsing through aisles filled with books and the comforting scent of freshly printed pages. Mayor Phil Brock, who has personal ties to the location—his mother worked at a Montgomery Ward department store that once occupied the same space—expressed his joy at the store’s return. “It’s a wonderful day to be in Santa Monica and to see this opening of the store that we loved for a generation,” he remarked, emphasizing the store’s significance to the community.
A Family Legacy
For Wally Marks, the owner of the building and a prominent figure in Promenade real estate, the reopening of Barnes & Noble is a continuation of a family legacy. His father, Wally Marks Sr., was instrumental in bringing the Midnight Special Bookstore to the same location in the 1990s. Marks expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the project, including city planners and contractors, acknowledging the challenges faced in reviving the space. This new chapter not only honors the past but also sets the stage for future generations of readers.
Inspiration from the Past
The reopening was celebrated by local author Olivie Blake, whose New York Times bestseller, The Atlas Six, was inspired by her visits to the original Barnes & Noble location. Blake reminisced about her dreams of seeing her books on the shelves of the store, a dream that has now come to fruition. She participated in the grand opening by signing books, alongside other notable authors like Brady Smith, Victoria Aveyard, and Marie Lu, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated both literature and community.
A Warm and Inviting Space
Inside the new Barnes & Noble, customers are greeted by warm lighting and a carefully curated selection of books. The store is organized by author names from A-Z in the fiction and romance genres, while the top floor features sections dedicated to Young Adult, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and poetry. A special “New and Noteworthy” section showcases local favorites, including titles from authors like Elle Kennedy and Nicola Harrison. The store’s layout encourages exploration, with a staircase leading to a downstairs area described by manager Sarah Abel as “a little bit of a labyrinth.” This unique space offers not only books but also DVDs, vinyl records, board games, and children’s toys, making it a treasure trove for all ages.
Fostering a Love for Reading
Abel, who previously managed the Burbank location, is excited about the opportunity to create a community-focused bookstore in Santa Monica. She emphasized the importance of engaging children and inspiring future generations to develop a love for reading. “We want them to read, we want them to be engaged,” she said, highlighting the store’s mission to create lasting memories for families. Abel’s vision is to cultivate a space where children can grow up with Barnes & Noble, returning as adults with their own children to share the joy of reading.
Revitalizing the Promenade
The reopening of Barnes & Noble is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Third Street Promenade, which has seen a decline in foot traffic in recent years. City officials, including Vice Mayor Lana Negrete, view the store’s return as a pivotal step in attracting visitors of all ages back to the area. “We want businesses like this,” Negrete stated, noting the excitement among local teens about the store’s reopening. City Councilmember Oscar de la Torre echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
A Commitment to Community
As the new Barnes & Noble settles into its role within the Promenade, Abel remains focused on her primary goal: connecting readers with the right books. “Helping the right person find the right book, there’s no better feeling than that,” she shared, reflecting on the joy of facilitating meaningful conversations and experiences. The store’s reopening is not just about selling books; it is about fostering a community of readers and creating a space where stories come to life.
In conclusion, the return of Barnes & Noble to the Third Street Promenade is more than just a business reopening; it is a celebration of community, nostalgia, and the enduring power of books. As the store welcomes back old friends and new faces, it promises to be a vibrant hub for readers of all ages, ensuring that the love for literature continues to thrive in Santa Monica.
