When Bloomingdale's opens its new store in the Glendale Galleria on Friday, it will put a cap on a yearlong transformation of the mall from a 1970s-era brick monolith into a new, sleeker shopping center that fits in with the city's bustling retail hub downtown.
Larry Martin, the Galleria's general manager, said Tuesday the renovations went hand in hand with the mall's effort to remain a retail flagship in Glendale, along with the neighboring Americana at Brand.
“Clearly, this is really a three-block area in downtown Glendale that is a synergy area driving retail sales and customers to the area,” he said. “The renovation has really provided us the opportunity to upgrade the shopping center and maintain our competitive standing in Los Angeles.”
The renovations include a new main entrance on Central Avenue and new glass elevators as well as all new black-and-white exterior facades and interior décor, plus large landscaping elements and 9-foot-tall signage.