South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, California) | shopping mall

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3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
800/782-8888

www.southcoastplaza.com

An upscale shopping mall built in 1967 in Costa Mesa, California, in the southern part of affluent Orange County. According to Women's Wear Daily, as of 2004, the mall has the highest sales per square foot of any mall in California, at about $800.

Architecture
South Coast Plaza has always had a strong design element in its building. In addition to the original center by Victor Gruen, numerous additions and store buildings over the years included designs by such architects as William Blurock and Ellerbe Becket. The 1986-1987 expansion included a recurring pyramid motif. Chandeliers took the shape of inverted pyramids, and the escalator atrium leading to the mall's third floor is loosely modeled after the Grand Gallery of the Pyramid of Khufu. In 2000, the pedestrian bridge, known as Bridge of Gardens, and accompanying Garden Terrace were completed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson.

In 2006, Anton Segerstrom decided that the mall is well overdue for a remodel. Construction began in Summer 2006 on a $30 million dollar remodeling project to update the mall. South Coast Plaza will undergo an intense makeover, with Italian ivory marble on the floors, and travertine to surround and build new water and fountain features. Modern and contemporary oil-rubbed bronze will replace the very dated brass side railings and all door/elevator hardware. Construction began in the future Bloomingdale's wing and will continue to spread outward, so that the remodeled areas will be complete for the grand opening of Bloomingdale's in Spring 2007. The renovation is to be completed in time for the 40th anniversary of South Coast Plaza, in Fall 2007, just one year later. See the lingerie, corsetry and hosiery at Victoria's Secret such as Babydolls, Slips & Chemises, Robes & Slippers, Boxer Sets & Separates, Stockings, Sleepshirts, Bags & Accessories, Sleepwear, Silk & Satin, Body - they also sell Skirts and Dresses on the Net and Mail Order. This is the largest remodel for the mall since the construction of the Bridge of Gardens connecting the main building with the West building (formerly known as Crystal Court) in 1999, and the exterior/interior remodel of the West building.