Codding's History
Developer Hugh Codding and founder of Codding Enterprises (Codding) was generally credited with having altered the course of post-World War II Santa Rosa, California, becoming a legend in residential and commercial development in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. With the support and help of his wife, Nell Codding, in 1960 he purchased the land Coddingtown sits on today. Hugh and Nell made a complimentary team with Nell overseeing the company’s operations, financial transactions with the merchants, and bank terms while Hugh expanded the company’s real estate holdings through construction, leasing and managing its properties. Nell Codding passed away in 1990 and Hugh Codding followed 20 years later passing away at the age of 92 in 2010.
The doors to Coddingtown opened in 1962 with the first tenants being: Emporium Capwell (today its Macy’s), Roos Atkins, Joseph Magnin, Smith’s Menswear, Thrifty’s, Kress, Lucky’s Grocery Store, and JCPenney. Originally opened as an open-air shopping center, it was enclosed with beautiful redwood ceilings in 1979 becoming one of the first modern suburban malls on the West Coast. Hugh installed a 70ft, now historically preserved, neon revolving sign with his family name on it. He installed it because “I liked to see my name up there” Hugh stated.
In 2005, Codding made a financial decision to sell a 50% share of Coddingtown to managing partner Simon Property Group. Simon was brought on as a partner to assist in redeveloping the center. In 2011 – 2012, the shopping center received major upgrades to its entrances, new family and common restrooms, and remodeled the interior. The addition and brand new building for Whole Foods in 2010 helped spearhead the redevelopment for the shopping center’s north side façade attracting multiple tenants providing their signature storefront including Nordstrom Rack and ULTA Beauty. This helped create an inviting lifestyle component to Coddingtown. The south side underwent a major demolition and a 155,000 SF Target anchor store was constructed opening its doors in 2014.
In late December 2017, Coddingtown returned to fully local ownership after Codding Enterprises repurchased its 50% stake in the shopping center back from Simon Property Group. Today, Codding Enterprises is owned and managed by Hugh’s two granddaughters, Lisa Codding and Lois Codding.