The most updated rendering of 7+FIG, now renamed FIGat7th in Downtown LA
Some newly updated renderings of FIGat7th (formerly known as 7+FIG) were released by owner Brookfield Properties yesterday (reported on Curbed LA). The mall is currently being remodeled into a newer modern and much more attractive design that’s more pedestrian-oriented. Many changes are coming, including an exciting new mix of businesses (like a new “urban Target” concept) that will help continue the momentum Downtown LA is experiencing.
Here are some observations about the renderings:
1) There is definitely better connectivity with Figueroa St as there is a new 60-foot wide stairway that leads from the sidewalk directly into the center, which is a sea change compared to the old mall where only poorly located escalators and extremely slow elevators got people in and out of the mall.
2) There looks like a new restaurant space built on the “roof” of the mall (above the “Zephora” in the rendering) that will take advantage of the beautifully landscaped, but underutilized, plaza that sits above the street tucked away and hidden between the Cesar Pelli-designed 777 Figueroa tower and the SOM-designed Ernst & Young tower. Perhaps this new restaurant will help enliven the plaza and help people rediscover this “green space.”
A new glass canopy replaces the former "jungle gym," but many have wondered how to keep the glass clean from dirt, bird droppings, dead insects, etc.
New shops and restaurant will be announced in the coming months, and according to the LA Times, Urban Outfitters and H&M are rumored to be sniffing around for suitable spaces that perhaps FIGat7th will offer in its new format
Construction photos from last week:
A sign informing the public that 7+FIG is being remodeled and that some stores remain open during construction
Some stores that will come back in the new mall remain open during construction
The circular "jungle gym" that defined the old 7+FIG has been taken down and a new restaurant space will be built on the "roof" of the mall, which is actually level with an above ground plaza used mostly by office workers
I am eager to find out what business will lease the very large space that was once the upscale Bullocks department store
FIGat7th sits squarely in the middle between two Class-A office skyscrapers, the Cesar Pelli-designed 777 Figueroa tower on the right and the SOM-designed Ernst & Young Plaza on the left
Unfortunately, a large surface parking lot (aka "deadzone") sits directly across the street from this mall (left in the picture), which prevents any positive energy, or retail "spill over" effect, from a successful FIGat7th to expand outward from it
The new Figat7th will be a great addition to downtown. Target is a huge draw and I’m pretty sure this store will be one of the chain’s highest grossing locations. It could also serve as the gateway for other retailers to enter the downtown market. Ultimately, retailers will need to be in an area with continuous retail space like the historic core to create a true shopping district, however the financial district may be a good point of entry for those testing the waters. Once they realize the potential downtown , however they will likely expand their presence in the area.
I am absolutely stoked about this. Glad this place is being revamped with whats seems like great potential vendors setting up shop. This prime area was such a bore. Target in general will be a great addition to all people living in the downtown area to get what’s needed for home. Wish we had this when I lived there!
Wont wind be a big issue there is a “wind tunnel” effect created by being between 2 skyscrapers. Either way I’m extremely ecstatic that this is happening and yea also cant wait for that lot across the street to be made into something more than its current state!