Project Scope

Founded as an assembly plant by Ford Motor Company in the 1950s, Great Mall was once an industrial complex producing as many as 136,000 vehicles annually. Today, it is the largest outlet mall in Northern California at 1.36 million square feet. Simon Property Group acquired the property in 2007 and teamed with Graycor to embark on a style evolution that would refresh the mall inside and out. Other than the initial transformation from an automotive factory to a mall in 1994, this was the largest renovation undertaking at Great Mall.

The renovation was completed in three phases and modernized the property with new mall entrances, a new Dining Pavilion and improved interior and exterior wayfinding signage. Additional lounging areas with soft seating and charging stations are strategically located throughout the mall. At the mall’s main gathering area, an original fountain was replaced with two modern infinity water features.

Exterior renovations included the mall façade, mall tower signage and wayfinding signage consisting of five directories, one pylon sign, two monument signs and replacement of existing parking lot ID signs. Portals at each mall entry received a facelift; the existing portals were completely demolished and replaced with a new structure, finishes, lighting and signage.

Graycor employed its time-tested Live Environment approach to execute the construction process while minimizing impact to the mall, employees and customers.