Suggestions for getting squared away

In response to concern about the lack of business in Triangle Square,

I have several thoughts that I hope will be forwarded to the owners

or managers.

I have long felt that Triangle Square needs structural changes in

order for it to be successful.

The primary problems are parking and the perception that the mall

is difficult to access.

The entire area has to appear to be more accessible and

user-friendly.

The first problem is the parking structure. With the exception of

the main level, the structure is dark, the ramps and spaces are

narrow, and pedestrian access to the second level is limited and

confusing. Some suggestions:

* Improve signage inside the structure. Despite the fact that I

have parked at Triangle Square dozens of times, I was only vaguely

aware that there is parking on the lower level.

Now, even knowing it is there, I am not inclined to use it because

of my experience with access to stores from the structure (see

below).

For example, if I park on the lower level, how would I get to the

Virgin Megastore? Would I have to walk to the escalator at the

opposite end?

Or is there a pedestrian-friendly stairway or elevator near the

Virgin Megastore leading to the main level?

* Add light and cheerful graphics to the interior of the parking

structure.

* Create additional access from the second level of the parking

structure directly into the food court/theater area -- and make it

open and inviting.

I recall going to the movies one evening and trying to get from

the second/third level of the parking structure to the theaters

without walking quite some distance down the ramp (which could be

dangerous) to the only public entrance in the opposite direction from

the theater end of the mall.

With some difficulty, my husband and I ended up negotiating

utility hallways and got where we wanted to be -- not a great way to

encourage a return visit.

* A more highly visible pedestrian entrance from Harbor Boulevard

to the mall would invite people in, even if they are driving. Right

now, Triangle Square has the feeling of an impregnable fortress.

* I have never been in The Gap, mainly because I don’t know where

the entrance is from the parking structure.

On the other hand, I go to Barnes & Noble a lot, because I

perceive it to be readily accessible.

Also, I know there is store space on the corner of Harbor and 19th

(I think it used to be the north front but is now empty).

This area is not highly visible from the street, is not accessible

from the parking structure, there are no other stores adjacent, and

there never was any signage that I know of directing customers,

making this an almost hopeless situation for any retailer.

Somebody needs to figure out how to better use this space.

* The basic architectural style of the mall is Santa Barbara

Mission, which is very attractive.

But the view of Triangle Square from the direction of the Costa

Mesa Freeway is partially blocked by the giant, off-putting, ugly,

monolithic structure created for Nike on the corner of Newport

Boulevard and 19th Street (I guess you can tell how I really feel

about this particular item).

This structure should be redesigned to blend with the existing

architecture.

Final thought: No amount of marketing will bring customers to

Triangle Square unless it is perceived to be more inviting and

user-friendly.

I really think it could be done, but it requires some creative

thinking. I hope the owners will step up and make some substantive

changes. Otherwise, I’m afraid Triangle Square will become a white

elephant, which would be a real loss to the community.

P.S. How about bringing in a trendy, informal restaurant with

decent food that can take advantage of the outdoor patio area for

seating?

The moviegoing crowd would love it. (Yard House is great but is

very loud.)

* NANCY HELM is a resident of Newport Beach.