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Beverly Center

A premier Los Angeles destination, blending high-end retail, distinctive architecture, and a significant presence in popular culture.

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Overview

Location & Address

Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, the Beverly Center is located at 8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90048, near the border of West Hollywood.

Key Statistics

This eight-story structure boasts over 883,000 square feet (82,000 mยฒ) of retail space, featuring more than 100 stores and services, including two major anchor tenants: Bloomingdale's and Macy's.

Opening & Ownership

Opened on February 4, 1982, the Beverly Center was developed by pioneers like A. Alfred Taubman and is currently managed and owned by Taubman Centers.

Historical Evolution

From Amusement Park to Retail Hub

The site's previous life was as Beverly Park, a modest amusement park. The Beverly Center opened its doors on February 4, 1982, constructed on a relatively small plot at a cost of $100 million. Initially anchored by Bullock's and The Broadway department stores, its unique design was dictated by its location and the presence of the Salt Lake Oil Field beneath it, which still features active oil wells on the western portion of the property.

Entertainment and Retail Milestones

The mall quickly became a significant entertainment venue with the opening of the Cineplex Beverly Center 14, then the largest multiplex in the US. It also hosted the first Hard Rock Cafe in America in 1982. Over the years, store anchors evolved, with Bullock's and The Broadway eventually becoming Macy's and Bloomingdale's, reflecting shifts in the retail landscape.

Renovations and Modernization

Significant renovations have shaped the Beverly Center's modern identity. A 2006-2008 renovation focused on reconstructing its iconic external escalators. A more substantial $500 million renovation, commencing in 2016, introduced a striking perforated steel facade, an upgraded parking structure with driver assistance technology, and a new food hall, aiming to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce.

Architectural Features

Iconic Design Elements

The Beverly Center is renowned for its dramatic six-story series of escalators, which offer visitors panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, and the Westside. The mall's exterior was significantly updated with a modern, perforated steel facade as part of its recent renovations, enhancing its visual appeal.

Innovative Parking

Addressing a common mall frustration, the renovated parking structure incorporates technology designed to help drivers easily locate their parked vehicles, improving the overall visitor experience.

Unique Site Context

The mall's location above the historic Salt Lake Oil Field, with active oil wells still present, is a distinctive characteristic. This unique geological feature influenced the mall's development and continues to be a part of its operational landscape.

Cultural Footprint

Cinematic Appearances

The Beverly Center has served as a backdrop or plot point in numerous films, reflecting its status as a recognizable Los Angeles landmark. Notable appearances include:

  • Scenes for David Lynch's Eraserhead were filmed on the site before its development.
  • A chapter in Bret Easton Ellis's Less Than Zero is set within the mall.
  • Exterior shots for the horror film Chopping Mall were filmed along its perimeter.
  • Scenes from a Mall (1991) used the Beverly Center as a primary filming location.
  • It played a role in the disaster film Volcano (1997) as a makeshift triage center.
  • Selena (1997) featured a brief shopping scene within the mall.
  • It appears in the video game Grand Theft Auto V as "Rockford Plaza".

Musical References

The mall's prominence extends to music, with references appearing in songs by contemporary artists, underscoring its place in modern culture.

  • Lana Del Rey references the Beverly Center in her song "Sweet" from the 2023 album Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?.
  • It appears in the music video for Chappell Roan's "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" (2023).
  • It is slated to appear in the music video for Role Model's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" (2025).

Notable Events & Incidents

The mall has also been the site of significant cultural moments and unfortunate events.

  • A 2009 incident involved the fatal shooting of rapper Dolla.
  • A Saturday Night Live sketch in 2013 featured Lady Gaga as an Apple Store employee at the mall.
  • The animated series Totally Spies! featured the mall (as "Beverly Hills Mall") in its early seasons.

Location & Coordinates

Geographic Details

The Beverly Center is strategically located within Los Angeles, California. Its precise coordinates are 34ยฐ04โ€ฒ30โ€ณN 118ยฐ22โ€ฒ37โ€ณW / 34.075ยฐN 118.377ยฐW.

The mall is bounded by key thoroughfares: Beverly Boulevard to the north, La Cienega Boulevard to the east, 3rd Street to the south, and San Vicente Boulevard to the west.

Online Presence

Stay connected with the latest offerings and events through the official website:

Visit Official Website

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Beverly Center Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on the Beverly Center. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

This is not an endorsement or official representation. The information provided is based on a snapshot of data and may not reflect the most current status of the Beverly Center, its tenants, or its offerings. Always consult the official Beverly Center website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.