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# Macerich unveils scaled-down redesign of Santa Monica Place mall
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/122007-story-20071220/
- Published: 2007-12-20T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T04:27:39.000Z
- Author: Kevin Herrera
- Tags: Real Estate & Housing, Downtown, #archive-import

meetings and used their input to craft a dramatically different concept that incorporates six key requirements identified by residents.

These elements are: ■Build something of reasonable scale, in line with Santa Monica’s aesthetic sensibilities; ■Create a better connection with the promenade; ■Include open-air, views and street-retail elements; ■Develop an environmentally sound project; ■Make retail the primary use at the mall; ■Pay attention to traffic and parking.

When Macerich purchased the mall in 1999, the intention always was to redevelop the mall to make it more compatible with Third Street and the urban environment where it is situated, said Randy Brant, an executive vice president with Macerich. The mall, which was designed by architect Frank Gehry, was modeled after the suburban shopping centers of the 1980s and is very boxy and insular, acting like a barrier that obstructs the flow of pedestrians downtown.

“We are very excited that we have gotten past the city approvals, at least the major ones, and will soon be starting on a project that we believe can be one of the most exciting projects to be built in the last four or five years,” said Brant, a Santa Monica resident who, like other executives with Macerich, has stated many times that Santa Monica Place is different than any other Macerich property because it is located in the company’s hometown.

“Going out to the community was very valuable and they basically told us they were looking for a design that would improve connectivity and would be timeless,” Brant said. “They weren’t interested in having something built and then have it come back in 15 years.”

Retailers currently at the mall may return once the remodel is complete. Brant said negotiations are ongoing. Some retailers have opted to relocate to other Macerich-owned properties, such as the Westside Pavilion. Brant said negotiations are underway with a major retailer to help anchor the site. An announcement is expected in February.

A renovated mall should attract more shoppers, helping Santa Monica remain competitive with newly renovated malls in Century City and mid-town Los Angeles. That means more sales tax revenues to fund city projects and services, retail experts said.

Macerich is looking to attract an eclectic mix of retailers and restaurants to better serve residents, who have asked for more affordable options, particularly when it comes to everyday wear.

“At the end of the day, we build beautiful malls, but people don’t come to them because they have nice floors, a nice fountain,” Brant said. “They come to our projects because we have a mix of retailers that fit the wants and needs of the community and that’s what we plan to deliver here... and the community will love it.”

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/122007-11_01.jpg)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 20, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122007.pdf?ref=smdp.com)