Callison Architecture is designing the improvements. The project will result in a new entrance, new restaurants with outdoor seating and a new movie theatre. Among the upgrades to the existing enclosed mall will be additional escalators and a new Westfield Family Lounge with private family-style restrooms, mother's nursing area and plasma screen televisions with child-friendly programming.

The goal is, of course, to enhance the center's appeal and, thereby, increase sales. In its mid-year report, Westfield cited strong sales growth led by a 3.1% increase at its West Coast assets. Specialty retail sales at its properties averaged $470 per sf through the first half of the year while average rent was up 5.2% to $44.24 per sf.

A source with Westfield tells GlobeSt.com that the company is in the design phase and has yet to submit plans to the city for approval. The company does not expect any problems obtaining approvals, however, because the addition will not result in more square footage.