Those who have been avoiding Westfield Downtown Plaza might want to take another look.

After kicking off a multimillion-dollar remodeling project last October, the shopping center has a new look and upgraded security. New planters, improved lighting and a more open feel mark a noticeable change to the mall.

“We are going to continue to make as many positive features to this property as we can,” said General Manager Russell Dougherty, adding that there is no set timeline for when the mall will be “done.”

“We think of it as a bunch of small projects,” Dougherty said. “We want to keep it fresh so shoppers will keep coming back.”

Much of the remodel work has focused on making the shopping center feel more open, well-lit and inviting.

Older can lights and standing light fixtures are being replaced by energy-efficient LED lights that provide better lighting in addition to being a green feature.

Shoppers will also notice that the fountains have been removed and replaced with tiled planter boxes created by an artist, with faux turf laid down between them to add color...and have even been used by shoppers for impromptu picnics, Dougherty said.

“The fountains drew a lot of pigeons,” Dougherty said, “but now I haven’t seen a pigeon in the area for six months.”

The once-massive concrete columns supporting the rotunda are now gone – leaving only the steel beams, which have been integrated into the architecture. The bases of the columns are still there, but they now serve as planters.

“It gives improved sight lines for our stores,” Dougherty said. “It also helps with the lighting. We’re using the interesting architecture that makes this site unique, cleaning it up and enhancing it.”

In a move to become more family- and health-friendly, the mall is now smoke-free throughout, and a new kids’ play area is featured in the rotunda.

Dougherty said the remodel has made the space more appealing and increased foot traffic, which he hopes will draw more stores, as the site is currently only about 65 percent occupied.

Another feature to keep customers coming through the doors is a stage featuring live music and hosting a Third Saturday event with the Sacramento News and Review consisting of a fashion show, temporary vendors and live music.

New signage is going up to direct shoppers to the second level, which has the majority of the empty spaces but still boasts numerous stores.

When the 24 Hour Fitness center is finished with its expansion, Dougherty said it will help liven up the second floor, which will likely also host Santa Claus during the holidays.

Security has been addressed, Dougherty said, and the mall has video surveillance as well as other upgrades. He added that Westfield is working with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Sacramento Police Department to ensure the mall is a safe place.

“I think overall this is a welcome addition to Downtown Plaza from our perspective, since it’s definitely an attraction point for lots of folks downtown,” said Lisa Martinez, director of marketing and outreach for DSP. “Overall, it makes for a stronger retail area.”

Martinez added that, as a shopper, she notices a lot of the smaller details.

“Some of those smaller details speak volumes that the people care about the center,” she said.

Dougherty said he can’t comment on anything Mayor Kevin Johnson says about possibly selling the shopping center, but he said Westfield manages it no differently than any of its other properties and plans to keep upgrading the mall to keep it fresh.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.