A new PlaySpace on the Promenade of Westfield Santa Anita was officially dedicated today, Friday, April 11, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring many local dignitaries and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce officials.
A public grand opening is scheduled for 12 noon – 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, featuring a balloon artist, face painter, caricaturist, music and more.
The new PlaySpace marks the first in a series of upgrades and additions that will be made at the center as part of a $20 million remodel throughout the entire mall, photos of which were on display during today’s ceremony emcee’d by Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick on behalf of Westfield General Manager Ramon Oseguera and Steve Jaffe, District Marketing Director for Westfield’s Santa Anita, Fashion Square & Valencia Town Center malls.
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Arcadia Mayor Pro Tem John Wuo praised the continuing evolution of the mall to meet the ever-changing interests of consumers, and Chamber President Denise Weaver of Weaver Associates Insurance presented a certificate of appreciation for providing a family-friendly outdoor activity center that will entice parents and customers to the businesses there.
Also making presentations were Iso Nakasato representing Senator Ed Hernandez; Olivia Lee, representing Assembly Member Ed Chau; and Brenda Daniels from the office of L.A. County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
City Council Members Bob Harbicht and Peter Amundson were also on hand, along with Assistant City Manager Jason Kruckeberg.
Other Chamber board members in attendance included Vice President Vicki Knight, Century Rooter Services & Plumbing; Joan Francone of ORI Global; Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary; Mark Ramos of Vista Paint; Sylvia Ramos of Dilbeck Real Estate; John Wilson of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills; Ambassadors Chairman Rich Jones of the San Marino Tribune, and Ambassadors Sylvia and Mark Ramos, Ivan Lai, Cruise Planners; and Allen Tsay, Waddell & Reed.
“Having recognized the popularity of our existing PlaySpace in the JCPenney wing, we are very happy to have made a meaningful investment in the new outdoor area on The Promenade, creating a special place for families and children of all ages to enjoy,” Jaffe said.
In addition to the new PlaySpace, Westfield Santa Anita is set to undergo a major renovation throughout the center, creating a cohesive, premium design and décor aesthetic. With a dual theme of comfort and refinement, updates to the look and feel of the center will include sparkling new floors, distinctive fixtures and upgraded seating lounges. When combined with recently added amenities such as WiFi, valet parking, car wash service and more, the remodel will offer a refreshed and sophisticated shopping, dining and entertainment experience for guests.
All parts of the center will be touched by the remodel, upgrades and improvements:
- Approximately 1,400 gallons of paint will be used on the interior (enough to cover the White House 2 ½ times).
- More than 144,687 square feet of new tile will be laid (the equivalent of 27.4 miles if each piece were placed end to end).
- New handrails, lighting and sound will be installed and restrooms will be completely renovated.
Remodel highlights include a sophisticated new Center Court and transformative JCPenney entrance that will provide a modern and welcoming feel for shoppers. A new entrance will also be added on the northwest side between JCPenney and H&M.
The center will maintain its normal business hours during the renovation process, which will be completed in early 2015.
“It is our philosophy to continually invest, and reinvest, in our properties,” said Katy Dickey, Westfield EVP Corporate Communications. “This latest series of upgrades and enhancements for Westfield Santa Anita are a model of that commitment—taking an already strong, productive center and adding key new elements and energy to enhance its vitality, appeal and position as a premiere shopping and entertainment destination for the region.”
Over the course of the last decade, Westfield has invested more than $230 million redeveloping and expanding Westfield Santa Anita. In 2004, the center underwent a 250,000 square foot, $113 million expansion which introduced 50 new shops, restaurants, AMC Theater and more. In 2009, the center was expanded again with the opening of the $120 million, 115,000 square foot outdoor Promenade, which is now home to Westfield Santa Anita’s many community events that take place year round.
