Makeover of the Century Ground Breaking event June 3, 2004

(Originally appeared in the July 1, 2004 edition of the Century City News)

On June 3, 2004 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Westfield Shopping Center to celebrate the new development which has commenced on the property.

AMC TO HOUSE FLAGSHIP THEATER IN CENTURY CITY

Dick Walsh Executive Vice President of Film and Marketing for AMC Theaters announced that AMC would be opening it’s number one premier theater at the Westfield Shoppingtown Century City. The new AMC theatre complex will feature 15 screens on two theatre levels. The theatre auditoriums will provide stadium seating top-to-bottom and extra-wide seats and expanded legroom. In addition, each theatre will be equipped with wall to wall screens and digital surround sound.

Said Dick Walsh at the Makeover groundbreaking party “AMC has designed a world class facility to suit a world class location. The theatre’s design is highlighted by a four-story, glass front atrium and a curved grand staircase. Add to that the best choices in first run films and a specially commissioned, custom interior design and this new AMC 15 will be the movie theatre to go to in Los Angeles.

Apple Store Coming to Century City

As part of the Makeover of the Century Paul Kurzawa (General Manager of Westfield Shoppingtown Century City) announced that Apple will be among the new retailers scheduled to open in the Westield Shoppingtown Century City. Other retailers scheduled to open include Williams’Sonoma Home, Hold Everything, The Container Store, Limited Too, Baby Gap, Swarovski and Papyrus. These additions will create a whole new synergy and redefine the ultimate shopping experience.

The Makeover of the Century

We just entered a new Century and already we have a makeover that will be unparalleled. Only fitting that this makeover should happen in the Capital of Makeovers. This isn’t just cosmetic but full blown reconstruction. The cost of the makeover is expected to top one hundred twenty seven million dollars. Who could possibly spend this kind of money on a makeover? Any guesses? I will give you a hint, it’s one of the last outdoor shopping malls in California.

Still don’t know?

Westfield has commenced work on the Makeover of the Century an exciting redevelopment and expansion of Westfield Shoppingtown Century City to make shopping better for you. The redevelopment will include a state of the art 15 screen AMC Theatre, more fashion for you and your home, an expanded Gelson’s The Super Market, more dining options, new and expanded alfresco style food court and a distinctive new center design.

A groundbreaking was held on June 3, 2004 to commence “The Makeover of the Century”. In attendance at the event was Paul Kurzawa the General Manager of Westfield Shoppingtown, Ken Wong, Jack Weiss 5th district council member for the city of Los Angeles, Chuck Stilley, the President of AMC Realty, and Jim Lynch, the CEO of the Century City Chamber of Commerce (prior to his departure to Beverly Hills).

Westfield Shoppingtown Century City is built upon what used to be the back lot of Twentieth Century Fox Film Studios. Prior to that it was a ranch owned by Tom Mix. Many films have been filmed on this site including: “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” and more recently “Anywhere But Here” and “Bandits”. Once the Studio that made the films how fitting that this Makeover should include a four story glass front atrium and a curved grand staircase to high light AMC’s new 15 screen Theatre Complex. AMC will be equipping each theatre with wall-to-wall screens and digital surround sound, stadium seating, custom interior design and the best choices in first run films. All of this will make this the popular choice theatre in Los Angeles

Contemporaneously construction will continue on The sixty-eight million dollar beautification and expansion project on Santa Monica Boulevard, between the 405 Freeway and Beverly Hills city limit that is scheduled for completion in late 2005 and will greatly enhance the access and visibility of the Shoppingtown.

As we know Westfield Shoppingtown is a memorable shopping experience. It begins the moment you arrive and continues until the moment you leave. An array of thoughtful services are yours for the asking, like gift suggestions from their Shopping Concierge or package carryout. However they can serve you, their priority is to make you feel special and appreciated. After all, it’s what they do to make shopping better for you. The service of the shopping concierge doesn’t stop there. The Concierge is there to assist you in any way possible. From Gift ideas to store directions to package carryout, a Shopping Concierge is at your service. The Shopping Concierge Center is located near the AMC Century 14 Theatres.

Westfield also offers some services unique only to Westfield Shoppingtowns. If you are an expectant mother there are parking spaces reserved just for you conveniently placed for easy store access. Valet services are available for shoppers every day. Westfield offers a signature gift box to complement almost any gift. Topped with a beautiful ribbon it makes an impressive presentation. When you need a gift, you can valet your car, spend a few hours shopping, and walk away with a beautifully presented gift. Westfield is also kid friendly offering free balloons and Kiddie Kruzzers. Westfield Shoppingtown Gift Cards are perfect for any occasion or take advantage of the Shopping Concierge for gift ideas for weddings, birthdays or any occasion that will impress anyone on your list.

The Westfield difference is evident throughout - from design, to operations, to customer service at every one of their shoppingtowns here in California and across the Country. The definition is embedded in the hearts of every one of their employees and they know that their customers come to expect from every Westfield Shoppingtown. Each member of the team is dedicated to delivering and exceeding expectations for all of their customers

The Makeover will take this spirit of customer service to a new level. An expanded Gelson’s Super Market will open later this year, a new “State of the art” 15 screen AMC Movie Theatre with Stadium Seating will open in the Fall of 2005, and a larger Food Court will open in the Summer of 2005. New restaurants and retail shops will all be showcased by a distinctive new design center. This makeover will solidify Century City as the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Stores like Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Burke, Coach, and Tourneau will continue to provide shoppers with the an incredible shopping experience.

The Makeover Of The Century

Development Update JULY – AUGUST 2004

The existing parking entrance towards the west-side of Constellation leading to Gelson’s The Supermarket and the Shoppingtown have now closed to allow excavation work to commence on the site that will be the new 15 screen AMC movie theatre. A new temporary entrance to Gelson’s and the parking garage has been opened approximately 100 feet east on Constellation Blvd. Customers requiring access to Gelson’s and the Shoppingtown garage should now enter and exit through this new temporary entrance. Pedestrians should enter the Shoppingtown via Macy’s and access Gelson’s via the excalators next to Tourneau.

Demolition work on the two existing retail buildings on the west-side of the Shoppingtown is now complete. In addition, over half of the 150 columns in the parking garage that require strengthening to support the second level of retail have also been completed. The remaining column work will continue over the next few months as work begins on preparing the first level of retail for steel erection later this year. To facilitate this work, several retailers will temporarily relocate within the Shoppingtown (Coach, The Body Shop, Horton & Converse, Century City Optometry and Great Earth Vitamins). Please visit the Shopping Concierge center for exact locations. Please note that due to federal security guidelines, the US Post Office was unable to secure a temporary location. The Post Office will close at the end of July for a few months and reopen in their new space for the holiday season. 

For more information about the Makeover of the Century please call the Redevelopment Hotline 877-276-7000 or visit their website at www.westfield.com.

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles Enters Third Decade of Wish Granting

(Originally appeared in the July 1, 2004 edition of the Century City News)

It all started with the wish of a seven-year-old boy with leukemia named Chris, who wanted to be an Arizona State Trooper.   Pretty soon Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters were being founded all over the United States including the one that started in 1983 to serve the children of Los Angeles County.  

Today the Greater Los Angeles chapter has granted over 5,000 wishes of the more than 127,000 that have been granted worldwide.  While many people still think of the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a charity that provides children a “final” wish, the good news is that many children continue to survive long after their wish has been received and their treatments are finished.

Recently, the chapter granted a wish for nine-year old Eduardo of Downey, who has had to endure five surgeries and chemotherapy in his battle against rhabdomyosarcoma.   Since the boy’s ultimate dream is to become an airplane engineer, visiting the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. was what he selected for his one most heartfelt wish.

Eduardo’s wish experience began in grand style as a stretch Hummer picked his entire family up at home and took them to the Long Beach airport, courtesy of Flight Centre, the sponsor of Eduardo’s wish.  The family was then greeted with a huge breakfast send-off party in Eduardo’s honor at The Prop Room restaurant in the terminal. Members of Flight Centre, Jetblue crewmembers, airport staff, and Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers were all present to witness this special event. 

 

Eduardo and his brothers watched the airplanes take off and land from the window of the restaurant and everyone at the party could see he enjoyed every minute of being so close to the planes. Eduardo’s eyes grew wide with excitement when a member of the Jetblue crew offered to take him for a tour around the terminal and the planes sitting on the tarmac. When it was time for his final departure, Eduardo raced toward the gate, filled with excitement at the thought of being able to fly on an airplane for several hours.

When they arrived in Washington D.C., Eduardo spent one full day of his trip at the National Air & Space Museum, learning all about his favorite subject of flight technology. Eduardo was also treated to a VIP tour of the White House and visited many other famous D.C. attractions. When asked to describe the trip, Eduardo and his family needed only one word, “Amazing!” 

While Eduardo returned home from his wish trip to face another surgery and additional treatment, no one doubts that the “boost” his wish provided will help the future engineer continue his heroic battle against his illness, as wishes have done for so many other children here in Los Angeles, and around the world through the years. 

To find out how you can help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles grant more wishes for children like Eduardo, go to www.wishla.org or call 310-788-9474.

 With the continued support of donors and volunteers, Make-A-Wish Foundation will be able to continue granting wishes for children under the age of 18 with life-threatening medical conditions for years to come.  After granting their first wish many volunteers tell us it is the most uplifting experience they could ever imagine.  There is a four-hour training for potential wish granting volunteers from across Los Angeles County coming up this Saturday morning, July 17 at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.  Call 310-788-9474 or e-mail Kim Rohde at krohde@wishla.org if you would like to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by learning how to help grant wishes for children like Eduardo.   

The Blade’s the Rage at Larry’s Shaver Shop

(Originally appeared in the July 1, 2004 edition of the Century City News)

by Krystina Price

 I had some free time and although finding an electric shaver was part of a future plan, I decided scope out Larry’s Shaver Shop in Santa Monica.  I was warmly welcomed into the blade world by Don Dillon’s great smile and sculpted bald head.  This man was made to be bald!  The room lit up when Don got behind the counter - I had so much to learn.

Larry’s Shaver Shop has been in Santa Monica for over 50 years.  The first shop opened in 1953 at the Horace Heidt Arcade on 3^rd Street between Wilshire and Arizona. Horace Heidt was a bandleader in the 30’s and 40’s, and later pioneered a talent show in the early days of TV in Los Angeles.  The shop was moved to 321 Wilshire a few years later where it stood for 23 years, then moved to the corner of the 800 block of Wilshire - before the Northridge quake, and now to its present location at 821 Wilshire in Santa Monica.  Don’s been in the family business here since 1980.  That’s was when Don answered the call to help sister and 80-year-old step-grandmother run the store in California when his brother-in law, Larry Holmes, “got sick”.  Until then, Nancy, Don’s wife, had never traveled more than 13 miles from her home in Iowa, and wasn’t thrilled about their impending move.   But that was more than 20 years ago, she’s settled down since then.  It turned out to be such a good idea that Don’s niece, Marsha Okerlund, opened her own store in Hawthorne.

I had already researched various brands of electric shavers shown in store ads with a wide variety of prices and although I was on a limited budget, I wanted to “do the right thing” for my man’s beard, so I was ready to listen, and he was all mine. 

Who knew that men were into a triple/quadruple edge, wet shave?  Men hate shaving?  For no reason, watching a man shave turns me on.   However, Don reminds me that men have different beards, and some need to shave 3 or 4 times a day so they want to make it as enjoyable as possible. I hear today’s shavers don’t compare to the shavers of 25-30 years ago and some men consider their shavers their best friend. The older generation seems to be especially heartbroken when they hear their favorite can’t be fixed.  Some men are still using their fathers or grandfathers razors! What?  My Dad used a single edge razor.  He was a romantic character that used a razor strap that hung on its own hook in the bathroom.  Watching him shave on Sunday morning is one of the most cherished moments of my life, even though Mother sometimes used it as “the equalizer” in the afternoon.  His old shaving brush and cup still grace my bathroom.

Although a Grundig brand can only be purchased at shaver & specialty shops, it’s hands down, the BEST shaver made these days.  Grundig, reminds me of my Dad’s short wave radio with a record player built into the cabinet… where I played my first albums: Ray Charles and The Beatles…  The most popular brand is NORELCO.  But the trick is to customize your beard to an electric shaver.  You’ve got to get your beard to grow straight OUT - rather than UP.  After that the choice is yours.

At Larry’s Shaver Shop, they like to make sure you’re the right match for the shaver you buy. That’s why they want you to sample your shaver with your own beard - in the store.  They want you to come in with a beard and try the shaver they match you up with.  They want you stop by for a quick Braun clean up, or take care of a 2 day buzz with maybe, a Panasonic.  Bring in our old favorite.  Maybe they can fix it in-shop or forward to the factory for you.   No need to bother with the packaging and post office lines.  What a concept!  You can’t do that online.

After a few close shaves, men make their purchases, knowing they’ll come back again because it’s all been such a great experience.   Don and Clyde Helphrey, who plans on taking over the store someday, understand, and cater greatly to their customers.  Some of the famous faces who’ve stopped by in the past include: George Carlin, Anthony Quinn, Ricardo Montelbaun, Hal Lindon, Ray Walston, and Mark Harmon.  Kathryn Ross stopped by not long ago to purchase a pocket knife. Don tells me that they would love to have more females stop in.  They carry a nice assortment of Caswell-Massey products, beautiful German manicure sets and the finest cooking and camping knives.  You can even bring in your own cutlery for sharpening. Brands to buy include: Henkel, Kycera, Kershaw, Syderco, Benchmade, Cold Steel, and the trusty Swiss Army Knife.

 

I’m hooked.  Don considers his customers like family and some act like Larry’s is their personal toy store.  If they get busy, a regular might stick around to help out a new customer or help himself behind the counter. Don brings back the luxury of neighborly service.   Don’t miss it.  For a limited time, they are offering a 15 % off coupon. 

Open from Monday – Friday 9:00 to 5:30,

Saturday’s from 9-5

Larry’s Shaver Shop                                                            The Shaver Shop

821 Wilshire Blvd.                                                                17516 Hawthorne Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA  90401                                                    Torrance, CA  90504

310 393 3291                                                                          310 370 3373