What Will Replace Macy's at the Spectrum?

Macy’s closure of its store in Irvine has provided Irvine Co. officials with an opportunity to redevelop the property -- a $150-million project that will include about 20 new shops, officials said today.

The redevelopment of the Macy’s property will include stores, new landscaping, outdoor seating, shaded areas and improved parking, Irvine Co. officials said.

“The Macy’s closing has been contemplated for months and has provided us with a unique opportunity to rebalance Irvine Spectrum Center with additional retail stores to ensure that it continues as one of Southern California’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle destinations,” said Easther Liu, the company’s chief marketing official for retail.

“As a master-planning company and long-term owner, we are always exploring how we evolve Irvine Spectrum Center’s vibrancy and relevancy to marry with our customers’ evolving tastes,” Liu added.

The stores coming to the shopping center have not yet been announced. But officials say they are aimed at “complementing” its anchor stores, Nordstrom, Target, H&M, Apple Store, Forever 21 and others.

Macy’s announced Wednesday it is in the process of closing 40 stores nationwide.

City News Service; Photo: www.flickr.com