Taubman Centers, Inc. is embarking on a $500 million re-imagination of Beverly Center this month that will transform every aspect of the iconic fashion destination. The details were revealed this evening at an event featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Taubman chairman, CEO and president Robert Taubman, chief operating officer William Taubman, and other special guests. 

Critical focus areas for the project include creating a bright, contemporary and highly accessible exterior and interior that engages the center with the surrounding neighborhood, producing an effortless arrival, parking and departure experience, and offering a perfectly curated retail lineup and superior destination dining. Beverly Center and its tenants will be open during construction, which is scheduled to be completed by 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,” Taubman says. “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 Beverly Center holds a special place in LA’s imagination—it’s where an entire generation of Angelenos went on first dates, bought prom dresses and met up with friends on weekends,” adds Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Reimagining it for the 21st century is a tremendous investment in making those timeless experiences possible for the next generation of Angelenos. These plans capture the spirit of ambition and innovation that is driving our city’s economic resurgence.”

Los Angeles Councilmember Paul Koretz, Council District 5, says, “I am pleased to be working with the Taubmans to bring to our community a beautifully renovated and updated shopping experience at the iconic Beverly Center. Together, we are bringing a significant investment, good jobs, renewed economic activity and a neighborhood-sensitive project to Council District 5.”

The design architect for the renovation of the 886,000-square-foot center is Studio Fuksas of Rome. Visionaries Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, known for their distinctive designs, are responsible for numerous high-profile projects around the world, including Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (Guangdong, China), Ferrari Operational Headquarters and Research Center (Maranello, Italy), CBD Cultural Center (Beijing, China), New National Archives of France (Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, France) and many other venues.

Taubman selected Studio Fuksas to transform Beverly Center into a great urban space that meets the aspirations of Angelenos and suits the world-class city it calls home. Massimiliano Fuksas had this to say about architecture: “Contrary to common belief, music should be observed in order to appreciate its true essence, while architecture should be felt.” 

Upon completion, Beverly Center’s shoppers and diners will feel its new personality through significant changes that include:

 

Adding a continuous ribbon of new skylights that will bathe the entire center’s elegant and contoured floor openings and curves in natural light.

A shimmering new exterior that incorporates a perforated steel façade and will beautifully capture light during all parts of the day.

A fresh new streetscape that combines modern architecture and drought-resistant greenery for a pleasant walking experience.

A row of street-level restaurants that open the center to the vibrancy of West Third Street and embrace a pedestrian-oriented environment.

An additional valet off West Third Street to provide quick access to the street-level restaurants and retail.

A state-of-the-art smart parking system to dramatically improve the center’s arrival and departure experience.

An eighth level multi-concept gourmet food hall, THE STREET, by Chef Michael Mina.

Spectacular panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles from THE STREET, as well as from the center’s sixth floor.

The continual evolution of the merchandise mix combining luxury, contemporary and fast fashion retailers for an unparalleled shopping experience.

A flexible Center Court featuring an impressive LED screen, plenty of places to sit, relax and plug in, and the ability to host events, exhibitions and installations.

Beverly Center for decades has been an iconic fashion destination regularly shopped by locals, international visitors and those who influence celebrity style and popular culture through their work in the entertainment industry. With this renovation, Beverly Center will remain well positioned to lead the city to its fashion future while connecting with these important core customers.

In addition to great retail, an estimated 10 dining destinations will be developed, including two by Michelin starred, James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina. His first is a multi-concept gourmet food hall called The Street. Located on the center’s eighth floor dining terrace, The Street will serve an impressive array of cuisines from hawker stations reminiscent of great bazaars from around the world. The hallmark of the experience will be offerings from both Chef Mina and approximately 15-18 concepts for an ever-changing culinary experience.

“The Street will feature incredibly diverse cuisine inspired by the local community and the idea of bringing people together through the universal language of great food,” Chef Mina says. “The fare will be healthy, the atmosphere casual and the overall experience will be like no other in LA.” 

Part of the uniqueness of The Street will be its sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills that will provide a distinctly LA experience.

The center’s other new chef-driven and fast-casual restaurants, as well as Mina’s second concept, will be announced in the coming months.