It’s a shopper’s paradise and a tourist attraction in and of itself. California’s Irvine Spectrum Center is a mall and oh so much more. This architectural wonder was designed with shopping, entertainment and living in mind. The center includes a massive mall, some of Irvine’s best entertainment and dining, a residential community and more.
The shops, dining and simply the view draw an estimated 9 million visitors to this center each year. That’s a whole lot of people, but why is this mall so popular? It’s just a mall, isn’t it?
When it comes to malls, the Irvine Spectrum Center is truly like no other in the world. The attention to detail its developers employed is simply amazing. And, the fact the center is considered a showplace in the community help make it clear this isn’t the typical corner shopping area.
The Irvine Center opened in 1995 after years of planning. It sits on what used to be an 80-acre strawberry field that became the center of the Irvine Company’s attentions. Company planners envisioned a mall that could become a gathering point for the Orange County community. They wanted a mall and more. A place where people could shop, dine, enjoy entertainment and be awed by relaxing walkways, courtyards and more. Whether visitors go to shop or just to gawk at the awe inspiring architecture, the mall in and of itself is a tourist destination.
To make their vision of a community gathering place and tourist attraction a reality, The Irvine Company’s planners set out to recreate their own version of Spain’s Alhambra. This 13th century citadel overlooks Granada and is known for its impressive architecture, fabulous courtyards and elaborate mosaics and more. The Irvine Spectrum Center now is known for the same things, although on a slightly different scale. The Spanish influences and particularly the Alhambra’s are felt throughout the center and give this mall a feel that’s upscale and special, not generic and institutional like many other similar facilities.
To create the look they were going for, the company’s planners replicated the stone castle’s look into much of the center with custom masonry, colored glass-embedded walkways and more. There are even tile formations in the courtyards that mimic 13th century Persian rugs, tower bell chimes, hanging lamps and more to help complete the look. Many simply visit the center just to “see” it. It’s a lot closer than Spain for many!
And while the architecture is impressive, many do come to the center to shop. And for those who do, they won’t be disappointed. The Irvine Spectrum Center includes more than 100 stores both mainstay mall types and upscale boutiques. It has a 21-screen cinema, its own comedy club, other nightclubs and a 108-foot Ferris wheel, dubbed the Giant Wheel. The wheel is a major attraction and offers quite the view of the surrounding community.
In addition, the area around the center has sprung up with residential communities, additional eateries, attractions and more.
With something to see and do for everyone, the Irvine Spectrum Center is an ideal stop on a California trip. The mall is a wonder all on its own and the dining, entertainment and shopping options make it worth a stop. Plus, the architecture itself is most certainly impressive. There are malls and then there is the Irvine Spectrum Center.
Copyright (c) 2006
Jessica Deets writes for http://www.newportbeachtoday.com where you can find articles of interest about Newport Beach.
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