Beverly Center to get $500 million renovation that promises more food — and light

The grand lady of Los Angeles retailing is getting a major facelift.



Taubman Centers is embarking on a $500 million remodel of Beverly Center this month that promises to transform every aspect of the iconic — and monolithic — eight-story center, which opened in 1982.



The major focus areas of the project include creating a bright, contemporary and highly accessible exterior and interior that engages the center with the surrounding locale. And reflecting the increasingly prominent role of food in retail, the renovation includes the development of approximately 10 new dining spots, including a multi-concept gourmet food hall called The Street.



Located on the dining terrace of the center’s top floor and offering views of downtown Los Angeles, The Street will be helmed by celebrity chef Michael Mina (he will also operate a restaurant in the center). It will serve an array of diverse cuisines from hawker stations reminiscent of grand bazaars from around the globe.



Other new additions planned for the center include:



• A continuous ribbon of skylights that will flood the entire center in natural light;



• A flexible center court with a huge LED screen and plenty of places where customers can sit, relax and plug in, along with the ability to host events, exhibitions and installations;



• A shimmering new exterior that incorporates a perforated steel façade;



•A new streetscape that combines modern architecture and drought-resistant greenery, and



• A state-of-the-art “smart: parking system.



The 886,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is expected to remain open during construction, which is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2018 holiday season.



“In re-envisioning Beverly Center, we are looking to create LA’s signature urban shopping and dining experience, as well as an exciting, pedestrian-friendly anchor to one of the most creative and diverse neighborhoods in the world,” said Robert Taubman, president, Taubman Centers. “The center is a key asset in our portfolio, and after renovation we believe it will become one of the top ten retail centers in the nation.”



The design architect for the renovation of the center is Studio Fuksas of Rome, Italy. The firm’s projects include Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (Guangdong, China), Ferrari Operational Headquarters and Research Center (Maranello, Italy), CBD Cultural Center (Beijing, China), and New National Archives of France (Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, France).