A great face off

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- The dust has settled at the old Westcliff Plaza,

where an aging, obsolete shopping center has been turned into a place

that not only draws shoppers, but the coffee crowd as well.

“We’re very much into creating public space that people can sit in and

enjoy themselves,” said Keith Eyrich, president of retail properties for

the Irvine Co., which manages the shopping center.

With the goal of putting a modern face on the 1963 property, the

Irvine Co. gave the property at 17th Street and Irvine Avenue a major

face lift. A plaza area now in front of the 21 shops is designed to lure

lingerers with their cups of coffee. Added landscaping, furniture and

umbrellas throughout the center -- and even some more parking -- are the

finishing touches on the extensive overhaul of the 100,000-square-foot

center. Even anchor tenant Ralphs is spruced up into a new Ralphs Fresh

Fare.

“We wanted to update the center and make sure that it stays

contemporary with the surrounding community,” Eyrich said, adding his

thanks to the customers who stuck it out through the dusty, sometimes

annoying renovation. “We hope they feel as we do that the end result was

worth the struggle.”

To show off the center’s new look, the company will hold a renovation

celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The family event will include

children’s crafts, strolling carolers and food sampling from the various

restaurants, prizes and other perks.

FYI

* WHAT: Renovation celebration for the Westcliff Plaza shopping center

* WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

* WHERE: Westcliff Plaza, 17th Street at Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach

* COST: Admission is free.

* CALL: (949) 790-9713