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Beverly Center Makeover Will Include Fancy Restaurants And Natural Light
More has been revealed about the upcoming massive and expensive remodel of the Beverly Center mall, including a fancy food court and a lot more natural light. We recently found out that the insular, dated shopping center that is the Beverly Center will be getting a fresh, modern makeover. When the $500 million renovations, which start at the end of the month, are complete, the mall will have skylights and more windows, a high-tech parking lot that helps drivers find a spot and remember where it is, nine new restaurants and a high-end food hall that will be called "The Street," according to the L.A. Times.
William Taubman, COO of Taubman Centers, the company that owns the mall, told the Times that focus groups and shop-alongs provided insight into what customers wanted in a shopping center. "It's a little bit like a psychiatrist. They felt the overall environment was feeling dated. But they didn't tell us specifically, 'I want a big skylight,'" he said.
He also said that he believes food will serve as an anchor for the mall. "I think everybody who comes to dine will shop," he said.
The food options will be plenty. In addition to the nine new restaurants, The Street will be handled by Michael Mina (Stonehill Tavern, Bourbon Steak) and will include 15 to 18 different options. Mina hinted at ramen, poke and BBQ as possible selections.
Food halls have been popping up all over lately, with an upscale food hall coming to a dated strip mall in Koreatown, and another coming to LAX. Meanwhile in downtown L.A., the former Macy's Plaza is coming along nicely as The Bloc, an open-air, pedestrian friendly alternative to the former fortress-like center.
The Beverly Center will remain open as construction takes place, and is expected to be complete by November of 2018.
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