Westfield's Century City Tower Gets a Big Haircut

Image credit: Westfield Group

Westfield Century City's long delayed expansion plans are shrinking...again.  Citing market conditions and an ongoing dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood, the Austalian mall developer has opted to downscale its proposed 39-story high-rise to a less imposing 15-story structure.  Once planned to contain 262 condominiums, the revised tower proposal features just 20 "upscale residences."  When approved in 2009, the project was slated to include approximately 100,000 square feet of office space, in which the Westfield Group had intended to house its US headquarters.  However, as the company has since leased space in the nearby Century Plaza Towers, the modified development program has reduced the amount of commercial space by 14,000 square feet.

On the other hand, Westfield will not scrimp on retail or restaurant space in their $700 million upgrade.  The expanded facilities will add over 400,000 square feet of floor area, a new central plaza, and double the mall's parking capacity.  Additionally, streetscape improvements along Santa Monica Boulevard, Century Park West and Avenue of the Stars will add lush new greenery around the shopping complex's perimeter.  Retail tenants will reportedly include Nordstrom, Armani and New York-based Eataly.

According to the mall's official website, these improvements are scheduled for completion in 2017.  However, the exact timeline and phasing of the development is unclear at this point in time.  A demolition permit was issued for 1801 Avenue of the Stars in May, which would clear the way way for the planned residential tower.  However, the Welton Beckett-designed mid-rise still stands proudly above Santa Monica Boulevard.  To date, the only aspect of the project to have reached completion is a 550-car parking garage, located at the northeast corner of Constellation Boulevard and Century Park West.

Earlier design for the proposed residential tower.  Image credit: Westfield Group and Rios Clementi Hale

• Westfield Century City (Official Website)
• Westfield Century City Expansion Forging Ahead (Building Los Angeles)
• Westfield Century City's $700M Upgrade... (Racked LA)