Improvements go round and round

Paul Clinton

As the centerpiece in a package of improvements to Fashion Island,

the Irvine Co. is installing an old-fashioned carousel at the

shopping center.

The carousel, expected to open in the summer, will be based on the

well-known designs of Gustav Dentzel, who pioneered the look of the

classic carousel in the 1870s.

“A carousel is quite timeless,” said Russ Lowe, the Irvine

Company’s senior vice president of operations. “It bridges all kinds

of cultures. It’s an old form of interaction.”

Workers are now building the carousel, which will measure 38 feet

across, in the courtyard in front of the Robinson-May department

store. The carousel will feature 32 fiberglass horses and menagerie

animals based on Dentzel’s whimsical designs from a century ago.

Leaping horses, a zebra, cat, rabbit, tigers, bears and even a

seahorse will bob up and down in three rows.

The inner “rounding board” will include painted scenes from

Venice, Italy, as well as alternating faces of a male gondolier and

female in a Carnevale costume.

Illuminated by 1,200 white lights at night, the carousel will

broadcast 80 pre-recorded melodies, which are taken from an original

band organ.

The carousel is expected to appeal to children and the

young-at-heart, Irvine Co. officials said.

“We are excited to offer a fun element such as a whimsical

carousel to Fashion Island visitors,” said Tanya Thomas, the vice

president and general manager of the center. “Carousels are always a

favorite attraction.”

Workers completed the first phase of improvements to Fashion

Island in time for the holiday shoppers. The second phase is underway

and should be finished by the time the carousel opens, Lowe said.

The company also is installing new white-on-black directional

signs, extensive landscaping, including pots and plants, fresh paint,

lighting, furniture and brick paving.

Lowe declined to provide cost estimates for the work.

The improvements at Fashion Island are part of the company’s

six-year effort, begun in 2000, to improve 20 of its shopping

centers. So far, work has been completed on 12 centers, including

Corona del Mar Plaza, Bayside Center, Westcliff Center, Eastbluff

Center and several others in Newport Beach.

Work is underway at eight other centers, Lowe said.

* PAUL CLINTON covers the environment, business and politics. He

may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail at

[email protected].