PHOTOS: Westfield Culver City

The interior of the mall was redesigned to make it easier to get around; the goal was no longer to force people to pass in front of as many stores as possible. Ramps and bridges were added to better connect the walkways ringing the three-floor mall.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Abel Martinez, 26, of Van Nuys, and Margarita Camacho, 21, of Palms, visit the mall.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The mall went along with an industry move to go beyond operating various collections of mainstream department stores and chain retailers, incorporating traditional mall stores with a popular discounter (Target) and big-box electronics specialist (Best Buy), as well as full-size restaurants and a Gold’s Gym. Westfield wanted to create “the chance to pop in and out to a range of neighborhood and regional services,” said Larry Green, head of West Coast development.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Westfield spent $1.2 million on art for the Culver City mall and set about trying to make it seem more like a town square with its own social scene.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The decades-old mall in Culver City has lightened and brightened its tone with glass facades, more skylights and other moves to enhance a sense of openness.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The former food court is now called the dining terrace. The eating area exemplifies the transformation of the mall from a place many considered downscale and dangerous to a destination for more than 10 million visitors last year, a nearly 90% increase from 2009.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Many malls in urban settings are managing to thrive in spite of the recession, with malls in L.A. County faring better than in the nation on average, experts say.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)