This Element Is Another Draw for Retail Centers

Ruig: “A lot of people are doing this; they’re getting people out from their computer screen and shopping again.”

LAGUNA HILLS, CA—In addition to its rebranding and renovation of Laguna Hills Mall here, C.W. Driver Cos. is working on a retail project in Northern California with a water-park feature, project executive Paul Ruig and project manager Jamie Macartney tell GlobeSt.com. The builder has begun construction for Five Lagunas, which includes the redevelopment of Laguna Hills Mall. The center’s rebranding to Five Lagunas pays homage to the five towns situated in close proximity—Laguna Beach, Laguna Canyon, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods. Plans for the 68-acre site include 300,000 square feet of newly built-out retail space, 45,000 square feet of retail pad construction and extensive interior and exterior renovations, which will upgrade and modernize the shopping center. Tentatively scheduled to complete summer 2018, the 846,885-square-foot lifestyle center will be completely transformed to include an improved shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

We spoke exclusively with Ruig and Macartney about the project and other retail redevelopment projects the company has in the works.