It’s taken two years and $1 billion dollars, but the redesigned and revamped Westfield Century City mall officially reopened on Tues. Oct. 3.
At the official opening ceremony, Co-CEO and Executive Director of Westfield, Peter Lowy said, “Westfield Century City, I believe, will change the face of retailing on the Westside of L.A. We are creating new urban centers that intersect culture, community and commerce. The result is that Westfield Century City is the place of the 21st century.”
Indeed, the mall, with its three entertainment venues, high-end retail shops, and 50-plus eateries, feels like a space to relax and spend time with friends and family.
The vibe is one of a tropical oasis in a resort, thanks in no small part to designer Kelly Wearstler’s accent on teak furniture, comfy outdoor day beds, recycled water features, and sleek, tiled floors with clean lines.
Fifth District Councilmember Paul Koretz said, “Westfield has delivered a world class community gathering place with landscaped streetscapes that integrates with public transportation, reduced traffic, world class restaurants and a sophisticated shopping experience.”
That sophistication is highlighted not just in the addition of designer and boutique stores, but in the finishes throughout the now three-story structure. The design pays homage to the original mall’s mid-century modern structure – which opened in 1962 – with its flat roofs, curved elements including a spiral staircase, and lots of white accents.
The new mall is far more spacious than the old one, due to the removal of the 1801 Avenue of the Stars building, which has allowed for storefronts to be pushed back and the walkways to be widened. Artwork and olive trees from the original 1801 Avenue of the Stars location was preserved and reinstalled in the new mall.
Along with new eateries, the dining terrace has grown from 15 to 24 kitchens, and in his opening remarks Tuesday, Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke of his excitement that Eataly has finally arrived, quipping that it sounds like “two Australians trying to say ‘Italy.’”
Several of the 200 shops in the mall began as online outlets and are now opening their first brick and mortar stores. The most high-profile one is Amazon Books, instantly recognizable with its black and yellow accents.
The mall now offers premium concierge services, akin to a five-star hotel. There are six valet locations and you can use your valet ticket to text the concierge and have your car taken to any one of the six locations. There’s also a package check so you can indulge in “hands free” shopping.
With 4,700 parking spaces (almost double the previous amount), Westfield has introduced Smart parking. You’ll be able to open an account on the Westfield app and via license plate recognition, enter and exit the mall without having to use the pay station. And the much-touted Uber lounge will include phone chargers, complementary beverages and access to the concierge services.
Westfield has also gone the extra mile to incorporate the latest technology, with an interactive directory and facial recognition cameras in two 100 foot screens that will change their rolling advertisements to products that could potentially tempt you.
The center now has three spaces for private events – one of which was used for the grand opening. All three spaces (10,00, 8,000 and 4,000 square feet respectively) are available for rent.
Garcetti noted that the new mall is expected to generate $1.4 billion for the local economy, 21 million people are projected to visit the mall each year, and the eventual integration of public transportation with the purple line station at the mall will be a major boon.
“At the end of the day a shopping center is like a village commons,” Garcetti said. “It’s where we come together to find each other, to see a movie, a concert, buy gifts for loved ones. This $1 billion project really represents how strong this city is; that we believe in this idea of LA as both a place, geographically, and an idea – where we’re constantly reinventing ourselves and our futures.”
