PALO ALTO, Calif., July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanford Shopping Center, Northern California's premier shopping destination, will undergo a significant makeover. Simon, a global leader in retail real estate, today announced it will be updating the center to provide the public with a significantly transformed environment that will reflect the region's upscale and outdoor lifestyle.

Expanded pedestrian areas and gathering places, additional shops and restaurants, and a dramatic, contemporary architectural streetscape are just a few of the improvements to come. The design plan remains true to the center's history of casual elegance in a spectacular garden setting that has captivated Bay Area residents and visitors alike for nearly sixty years.

Shoppers will also enjoy expanded merchandise offerings from retailers new to Stanford Shopping Center and upgraded presentations from some of our existing retailers, including the new, much-anticipated Bloomingdale's store currently underway. Construction will soon begin on the addition of approximately 20 to 30 small shops and five new restaurants in the former Bloomingdale's area. The shops in this new area will be connected by a covered pavilion for easy pedestrian flow and a sense of community, creating a welcoming space destined to be a popular gathering spot. Energy-conserving technologies and building materials will be incorporated into the design and construction of these new buildings.

Embracing the outdoor lifestyle that is paramount to this region of the U.S., a new open plaza located at the west end of the center will be one of the project's most dramatic transformations. Visitors will be able to stretch out on the lawn, stroll the gardens and enjoy a new venue for special events. "Outdoor living rooms" will also be added throughout the Center. In the pavilion near Louis Vuitton, an open-air fireplace with surrounding seating is likely to become another focal point during cool weather. Three designated locations in the outdoor environment will also feature signature art from local artists.

"This project will not only transform the Center's look and feel, but it will make Stanford Shopping Center an even greater part of the community and destination for visitors," said Joshua Kalkhorst, Mall Manager of the Center. "With the addition of outdoor gathering places, the new architectural look and the added specialty shops and restaurants - Stanford Shopping Center will continue to be at the head of the class for retail in the Bay Area."

About Stanford Shopping Center
Stanford Shopping Center is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, and Macy's Men's. There are more than 140 world-class stores and restaurants, all in a spectacular outdoor garden environment. For more information, visit stanfordshop.com.

About Simon
Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

SOURCE Simon