Plaza Camino Real Is Getting A Facelift

Westfield, owners of Plaza Camino Real mall at El Camino Real and the 78 freeway in Carlsbad, is getting a major facelift. For anyone who has ever shopped there you know this is way overdue. The center is 40 years old and needs an overhaul. If you drive by, you can see lots of construction at the east end of the center. This will be a new 24-Hour Fitness center, Regal Cinema, and dine in restaurants. Completion of this phase of the remodel is due later this year.Westfield's goal is to turn this aging mall into an upscale, outdoor retail center. The mall's roof will be removed and lush landscaping and intimate common areas will be added. The mall will feature a mix of national brand stores and local boutiques, sit-down and casual dining spots and other entertainment options.The Carlsbad Planning Commission is expected to consider Westfield's plans this fall. It sounds to me like permission to proceed is already a done deal. Why else would construction on much of the mall already be underway? Westfield has been smart to get the community involved. There have been meetings with the community and Westfield, to determine exactly what the residents of Carlsbad want. In the end Carlsbad will have a one-of-a-kind destination to be proud of.One other note on shopping centers in Carlsbad. The Strawberry Fields on Cannon (I don't know the exact boundaries) have been purchased by Rick Caruso, well known business man in Los Angeles, who has built, among others, The Grove in West Hollywood. He will create a shopping mall on the property in the near future, but he is taking his time. He is spending months and months meeting with residents of Carlsbad, to determine what their needs and desires are in a new center. He is even taking bus loads of residents to LA for the day to tour The Grove. He really seems to be listening, and in the end he will build a shopping mall that North County will love. It sounds like it's 4-6 years away, but that's something to look forward to.