A garden in the city

Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this premier San Diego shopping mall features high-end retailers such as Bloomingdales and Louis Vuitton. The design team worked with a “garden in the city” theme for this center-wide remodel. Branded signage, custom lighting, and landscaped outdoor seating turn the mall into an upscale destination for leisurely strolling, lounging, and shopping.

The Garden Walk Renovation project included comprehensive updates to all common areas, hardscape, landscape, furnishings, shading, lighting, finishes, and a 27,000-square-foot Café Terrace. The project team took great care to enhance the shopping experience and increase visitor comfort. Design elements such as sail shading structures, newly branded signage, stone tile, paving, and lighting upgrade the center’s brand on a limited budget.

Scattered throughout the common areas are gathering spaces we call “outdoor living rooms,” which are consistently filled with people taking a break to talk with friends and family. Many of these lounges are surrounded by cozy landscaping or calming water features, creating separation from the bustle of the mall. They’re connected by pathways with a boardwalk feel, creating an environment that encourages extended stays. 

The Café Terrace provides another place for gathering and relaxing. A covered food court opens onto a large terrace filled with seating and shade structures. Tables line the walkways, allowing diners to watch foot traffic pass by as though they were dining in a town center.

Since the renovation, Fashion Valley has secured more “eatertainment” restaurant tenants with California clean eating themes that cater to the high-end customers of retail tenants like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you and the SGPA team on the Fashion Valley renovation. In our experience, the success of any design build project rests in the team’s ability to communicate and effectively share ideas as they relate to design, budget, schedule and constructability. Thankfully, SGPA understands and embraces these concepts, allowing us in turn, to truly delight our customer.”

—Steve Likens, Vice President, Whiting Turner