DOWNTOWN — The future of Santa Monica Place is starting to take shape.
Standing at what will become the open-air rooftop dining deck, officials with Macerich on Thursday announced one by one the latest restaurant and retailers to sign on with the renovated shopping mall, naming the new tenants as construction work continued around them.
The 11 new businesses include three sit-down establishments that will be located on the third floor, including two by chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, who plans to bring his signature brand — La Sandia, which offers upscale Mexican cuisine — and Zengo, which combines Latin and Asian flavors.
Pizza Antica, a Northern California-based restaurant that specializes in hand-made pies, will add an Italian flavor to the deck.
They will join Ozumo Sushi and XINO Restaurant + Lounge, which were announced as tenants last year.
“I think we hit the major ethnic food groups that will give great variety without being inaccessible,” Anne Singleton, the vice president of leasing for Macerich, said.
The third floor will also include a food court that will provide space for up to 10 units.
The eight new retailers include Artevo, a technology-driven art gallery; Ed Hardy, which creates tattoo-inspired wear; LTJ Arthur, a French home and beachwear company that will open its first California location at Santa Monica Place; R.O.C, a boutique that specializes in designer brands; Ilori, which sells luxury sunglasses; Love Culture, which features trendy clothing for young women; Shuz, which sells high-comfort footwear; and Michael Brandon, a locally-based retailer of men’s sportswear.
“We really have been striving for a great mix of the higher end balanced with the affordable fashion and looking at really balancing the offerings we have to the many different audiences that we are speaking to with this project,” Singleton said. “They’re going to be a tremendous addition to the west Westside of Los Angeles.”
Macerich previously announced that Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom will anchor the mall as its only department stores, located on opposite ends. Other retailers include Kitson, Coach, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Lacoste, Joe’s Jeans, and True Religion.
The goal in the selection of tenants is to cater to the mall’s diverse clientele, from the locals to the day visitors to the domestic tourists to international travelers, Singleton said.
Macerich officials also confirmed that the mall’s grand reopening will be delayed to mid 2010.
“After Macy’s decided to become Bloomingdale’s, we decided to explore a new timeline for the project,” Bob Aptaker, the vice president of development for Macerich, said. “It makes sense to open this property with at least one anchor store.”
Bloomingdale’s, which will bring a SoHo theme concept, is slated to open in spring 2010 while Nordstrom is scheduled for fall 2010. Bloomingdale’s will open in the current Macy’s building while Nordstrom will replace the former Robinsons-May on Second Street.
Michael Farzam, who is planning on reconstructing the Travelodge on Ocean Avenue, said he was excited to see the two projects complementing each other upon reopening.
The Travelodge redevelopment will also include renovating the Second Street side of the property, bringing in ground-floor retail.
“Our businesses revolve around each other,” he said.
Eating hors d’oeuvres and enjoying the view of the Pacific Ocean, those who attended the event got a feel for what the dining experience might be like when the mall opens.
“What I found remarkable about Santa Monica is a city that gets so much of its identity from the beach … has relatively few outdoor dining opportunities with great food,” Doug Roscoe, the property manager for Santa Monica Place, said. “We’re going to fill that niche.”
melodyh@www.smdp.com
