By Noah Bell
Staff Writer
The Manhattan Village Mall has been working on a project that was approved last year to improve the entire mall with an updated and more modern look in hopes of increasing the amount of shoppers and visitors.
The enhancement project will improve the shopping center and upgrade it to a high-class, quality mall. By adding new features like two story parking structures and a central, open air plaza, the Village hopes to create an incredible shopping experience.
“Manhattan Village currently consists of approximately 572,800 square feet, including 17,500 for the closed movie theaters, retail, restaurants, offices, banks and other commercial uses,” former mayor and current Manhattan Beach City Council member David Lesser said.
The Manhattan Beach City Council approved a two phase plan in December for the Manhattan Village. This plan includes the building of two, separate parking structures, a remodel of the current shops, and in addition to space for new businesses.
“In approving the project last December, the City Council scaled back improvements and added certain elements to benefit the community,” Lesser said. “Among other actions, it approved two of the three phases to add 89,500 square feet for new commercial uses, and provided for an expanded outdoor plaza.”
The project will give the Manhattan Village a new look, and it is expected to be a destination for shoppers from around the area. The addition of a new area of the mall with added parking is expected to give the mall what it needs to make it a destination for South Bay shoppers.
“The plan also requires the consolidation of the two Macy’s stores, provides for a deceleration lane on Sepulveda Boulevard to improve the safety of traffic entering and exiting the site, extends certain roadways on the property to improve traffic flow, and it reduces the size of the parking structures,” Lesser said.
After almost 10 years of planning, the idea for a reconstruction and revitalization of the old Manhattan Village was passed. Construction is expected to begin in early 2016, and will be completed in 2017.
“We are currently in the planning process and expect activity to begin in 2016.” Village Manager Valerie James said. She seemed very excited for construction to begin, and for the new mall to be completed.
The plan has been receiving lots of backlash from residents who are concerned about the height of the parking structures. Also, the land they are planning to build on is known to be unsafe due to an oil field previously on the location.
“I don’t think a small community like Manhattan Beach and its mall is ready for such a change and increase in tourists,” sophomore Katharine Rogerson said. “This will negatively affect the city of Manhattan Beach as a whole.”
Despite all of the negative opinions of the new Manhattan Village plan, many residents believe that the new Village will be very beneficial. They feel that the updated look will bring in a whole new customer base and more retailers.
“I have lived in Manhattan Beach and shopped at The Village for 20 plus years, but places like The Point have me shopping elsewhere,” local resident Leslie Bell said. “The Village’s current look is not attractive to anyone, so I am in favor of a better shopping experience.”
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