Lots of KUDOS this month, so let's get right to it.
KUDOS to Westfield, which is moving forward with long-awaited plans to renovate 44-year-old Westfield Plaza Camino Real, giving it a makeover and a new name, Westfield Carlsbad.
The Carlsbad City Council last month approved a proposal to renovate mall,that was built in 1969. The makeover will give the 77-acre mall (which has 1.15 million square feet)new stores, restaurants and services, including a new 12-screen movie theater and a fitness center with an indoor pool and rooftop basketball court. Both will be housed in what was once Robinsons-May, a space that has not been filled by a permanent tenant in years.
"We're happy to see Westfield investing in its Carlsbad property. These improvements will make a huge difference in the center's appearance and the shopping experience," said City of Carlsbad Community & Economic Development Director Kathy Dodson in a statement. "This project will be good for the City of Carlsbad and Westfield."
The mall's eastern half will get a facelift, including a contemporary look and better pedestrian access between JCPenney and Macy's Men's and Home Furniture. The interior of the entire mall will receive new flooring, ceilings, lighting, handrails and other amenities, and the owners will install a new dining terrace and alter the mix of retail outlets.
The City Council approved several permits Tuesday, July 9, that will permit the owner to begin remodeling the mall. Those include approval of the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan, which will serve as the zoning document for the 77-acre site; approval of a site development plan, that will allow demolition, reconfiguration and reconstruction of existing buildings; and certification of the project's environmental impact report.
Westfield also wants to expand the mall into part of the city-owned parking lot surrounding the main building, but the City of Carlsbad and Westfield have not yet reached agreement on a lease of that additional area. If the two parties agree to lease terms, Westfield could expand the mall to 1.19 million square feet from 1.15 million square feet.
The improvements approved by the Council Tuesday are expected to be completed in the autumn of 2014.
KUDOS to two Carlsbad Chamber members, the Sustainable Surplus Exchange (SSE) and Sullivan Solar Power for teaming up to promote clean energy.
SSE redirects surplus assets from companies back into the local community, especially schools and charitable organizations, keeping them out of the landfills. By donating materials back into the community, less resources are consumed to create and transport new items, reducing the region's carbon emissions. As a result of the new partnership, Sullivan Solar Power is going to donate $500 to Sustainable Surplus for every homeowner that goes solar with the local company this year.
"The potential for funding is an incredible contribution," said Sue Prelozni, SSE executive director in a statement. "We are really grateful Sullivan Solar chose SSE to be their partner."
In addition, homeowners are able to receive cash-back incentives on top of the 30 percent Federal tax credit. Sullivan Solar Power is offering property owners an incentive of $0.20 per watt, up to $1,500 cash.
"Sullivan Solar Power is committed to supporting our community and local schools, and this partnership allows us to benefit both," said Daniel Sullivan, president and founder of Sullivan Solar Power.
KUDOS to two chamber businesses, Jazzercise and CCS/PR, ranked, respectively, Number 1 and 26, in the San Diego Business Journal's list of largest women-owned businesses in the July 8 issue. They were the top two North County-based businesses.
Rankings are based on agency-supplied data corroborated by CPA/CFO-attested statements.
"It is truly gratifying to have achieved regional recognition on all of these lists and I am proud of my amazing team for these milestone accomplishments," said Gayle Mestel, president and CEO CCS/PR.
KUDOS to Westfield, which is moving forward with long-awaited plans to renovate 44-year-old Westfield Plaza Camino Real, giving it a makeover and a new name, Westfield Carlsbad.
The Carlsbad City Council last month approved a proposal to renovate mall,that was built in 1969. The makeover will give the 77-acre mall (which has 1.15 million square feet)new stores, restaurants and services, including a new 12-screen movie theater and a fitness center with an indoor pool and rooftop basketball court. Both will be housed in what was once Robinsons-May, a space that has not been filled by a permanent tenant in years.
"We're happy to see Westfield investing in its Carlsbad property. These improvements will make a huge difference in the center's appearance and the shopping experience," said City of Carlsbad Community & Economic Development Director Kathy Dodson in a statement. "This project will be good for the City of Carlsbad and Westfield."
The mall's eastern half will get a facelift, including a contemporary look and better pedestrian access between JCPenney and Macy's Men's and Home Furniture. The interior of the entire mall will receive new flooring, ceilings, lighting, handrails and other amenities, and the owners will install a new dining terrace and alter the mix of retail outlets.
The City Council approved several permits Tuesday, July 9, that will permit the owner to begin remodeling the mall. Those include approval of the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan, which will serve as the zoning document for the 77-acre site; approval of a site development plan, that will allow demolition, reconfiguration and reconstruction of existing buildings; and certification of the project's environmental impact report.
Westfield also wants to expand the mall into part of the city-owned parking lot surrounding the main building, but the City of Carlsbad and Westfield have not yet reached agreement on a lease of that additional area. If the two parties agree to lease terms, Westfield could expand the mall to 1.19 million square feet from 1.15 million square feet.
The improvements approved by the Council Tuesday are expected to be completed in the autumn of 2014.
KUDOS to two Carlsbad Chamber members, the Sustainable Surplus Exchange (SSE) and Sullivan Solar Power for teaming up to promote clean energy.
SSE redirects surplus assets from companies back into the local community, especially schools and charitable organizations, keeping them out of the landfills. By donating materials back into the community, less resources are consumed to create and transport new items, reducing the region's carbon emissions. As a result of the new partnership, Sullivan Solar Power is going to donate $500 to Sustainable Surplus for every homeowner that goes solar with the local company this year.
"The potential for funding is an incredible contribution," said Sue Prelozni, SSE executive director in a statement. "We are really grateful Sullivan Solar chose SSE to be their partner."
In addition, homeowners are able to receive cash-back incentives on top of the 30 percent Federal tax credit. Sullivan Solar Power is offering property owners an incentive of $0.20 per watt, up to $1,500 cash.
"Sullivan Solar Power is committed to supporting our community and local schools, and this partnership allows us to benefit both," said Daniel Sullivan, president and founder of Sullivan Solar Power.
KUDOS to two chamber businesses, Jazzercise and CCS/PR, ranked, respectively, Number 1 and 26, in the San Diego Business Journal's list of largest women-owned businesses in the July 8 issue. They were the top two North County-based businesses.
Rankings are based on agency-supplied data corroborated by CPA/CFO-attested statements.
"It is truly gratifying to have achieved regional recognition on all of these lists and I am proud of my amazing team for these milestone accomplishments," said Gayle Mestel, president and CEO CCS/PR.