Island in the Sun

Newport Center Fashion Island may not be mistaken for a European village yet, but it’s getting closer. With the mall’s reopening dedication only two weeks away, Fashion Island officials are about to unveil the latest--and final--stage of a $100-million face lift that began more than five years ago. During a press preview Thursday, mall officials showed off acres of airy walkways newly remodeled in red brick, with fountains and shops intended to resemble a Mediterranean street scene. Newly renamed passageways--like Balboa Way and Catalina Way--lead shoppers past newly added amenities including a koi pond, an aviary and a new park. Four days of public events to celebrate the reopening--including strolling mariachis, evening concerts and a juggling unicyclist--are scheduled to begin Oct. 26. The last phase of the remodeling will add 70,000 square feet of retail space for 40 new stores and a food court, plus a seven-screen cinema and 1,300-car parking deck. The remodeling is aimed to appeal to more shoppers with a broader selection of merchandise--and prices. When finished, the center will have 1.2 million square feet with five major anchors and 200 stores.