Caloocan City is both historical and modern. Historical as this was the place where the “Unang Sigaw” of the Katipuneros reverberated; modern because Caloocan today is a highly urbanized city experiencing rapid economic growth and robust investment streams.
A city as modern and populous as Caloocan (it is the third most populous in the country) only deserves a mall as grand as SM City Grand Central, which opened its doors last Nov. 26, 2021. This is SM Prime Holdings Inc. 78th supermall and second SM mall in Caloocan after SM Center Sangandaan in 2015.
Strategically located in a 22,901.8-square-meter site along Rizal Ave Extension, corner Bustamante Street, SM City Grand Central will serve shoppers in Caloocan, as well as those from other parts of the CaMaNaVa sub-region – Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela; Manila, and Quezon City. More than that, it will be a catalyst for employment and business opportunities in the area.
Based on a press statement, the six-level 116,000-square meter mall is a destination to everything grand. A series of dynamic geometric forms creates a bold backdrop that emphasizes a strong street presence. The random, vertical pattern provides a playful touch further enhancing the main elevation with dynamic flair. Colors are bold and powerful, strategically applied to enhance the grand, impressive building frontage.
The interiors of SM City Grand Central are organized around a large, curved atrium, and a perpendicular mall corridor that intersect to create a clear line-of-sight to all shops on all levels at all times. Carefully placed bridges provide access to all portions of the mall, supplemented by a centrally located glass elevator, dynamic stairs, and elevators for optimal customer convenience.
The main interior features a sophisticated, modern palette of colors and materials with light gray and wood accents. Pops of color are provided through planting and seating. Large skylights above the main atrium and wrap-around clerestory provide glare-free daylight to all areas of the mall.
The SM Store and SM Supermarket are SM City Grand Central’s major anchors along with SM Appliance Center, ACE hardware, Our Home, Watsons, Surplus Shop, Sports Central, Pet Express, Uniqlo, The Body Shop, Crocs, and Miniso. It will also have fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, bookstores; as well as a Cyberzone and service and wellness centers.
Eating out options include a Food Court, specialty restaurants like Hawker Chan, Mesa and Nono’s, and international and local food chains like Kenny Rodgers, Classic Savory, Pancake House, Caramia, Café Mary Grace, Breadtalk, and Goldilocks.
SM City Grand Central will have four state-of-the-art cinemas and two Director’s Clubs that offer a premium movie experience, leather recliners, and a crystal-clear laser projection system.
The top floor of the mall features the Skylight Park, an indoor sky garden with open green spaces. Shops and restaurants line the curved, circular paths where customers can shop and dine while enjoying the Skylight Park ambiance. A chapel and multi-purpose space bookend and anchor additional green space. These spaces are designed as complements to the overall concept and further enhance its unique and grand character.
For the customer’s convenience and enhanced malling experience, it has a total of 700 parking slots including regular car slots, PWD car slots, and motorcycle slots.