Officials give details on Scottsdale Fashion Square mall remodel

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In December, Scottsdale Fashion Square mall announced it would undergo renovations to its luxury wing.

On Thursday, we learned what that will look like.

Scott Nelson, vice-president of development for mall-owner Macerich, said the renovation will give the luxury area — that includes stores such as Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Burberry and Cartier — a complete overhaul.

“Center court, all the way down to the Dillard’s and Neiman’s court,” he said. “All new flooring, all new ceilings, all new lighting.”

The flooring will feature white-marble accents and the restrooms will be upgraded to have more of a resort feel.

But it’s not just the interior that will be getting a facelift.

“A grand promenade out the north side of the property, expanding our retail offerings, restaurant offerings,” Nelson said of the exterior changes.

The construction project will also add new stores for shoppers to peruse.

“We plan to bring in new first-to-market retailers and many new restaurants,” Kim Choukalas, Macerich’s vice president of leasing, said.

The renovations were scheduled to start in September. It was expected to open sometime next year.

Late last year, the mall announced it would add residences and a hotel, though that phase of the project was a ways off.

“We eagerly anticipate the future phases of our expansion, which will include luxury residences, Class-A office space and a new hotel,” Nelson said.

Scottsdale Fashion Square opened in 1961 near Scottsdale and Camelback roads as an open-air mall that was anchored by Goldwater’s Department Store and some specialty stores.

The mall now boasts more than 200 shops and restaurants.

Its average annual sales exceed $650 million. Between 2012 and 2015, the mall generated an estimated $50 million in sales tax.

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