By Samuel Harwood
Special to Century City News
Construction cranes hang over Westfield Century City’s temporary entrance like arches. The entrance was installed with phase two of the mall’s ongoing expansion, set to last until 2017.
Efforts have been made, such as the new entrance and an expanded parking garage, to keep the mall pedestrian-friendly as the construction continues. Several stores are closed for demolition and a building has been razed to make room for a Nordstrom, Eataly, remodeled Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and outdoor areas similar to those at the Grove.
A path from the entrance on Constellation Blvd. snakes through the garage where workers from North Star Construction can be seen moving equipment and heard rattling drills. It then moves up the escalators towards the multiplex where a view of flat concrete covered with cranes and other construction vehicles can be found, preparing the layout for the extension.
Plans to build condominiums on the property were abandoned to stay competitive with L.A.’s other outdoor malls. As the path winds past the food court closer to the theater, one finds signs laid out above the view of the construction.
The signs provide titles, pictures, and advertisements detailing the changes. Among them: Scene Stealer (“Modern open-air space, thoughtful amenities…artisanal furnishings, curated design, all with comfort in mind”), Looking Forward, The Big Picture, How Stylish, and Made in California.
