Caruso Affiliated Debuts Its Reinvented Waterside Marina del Rey Retail Center; Opening Celebration Begins November 17 with Four Days of Entertainment and Activities.

LOS ANGELES -- Caruso Affiliated invites the community to celebrate the opening of the Waterside Marina del Rey with four days of entertainment and activities beginning Thursday, November 17. The company has completely transformed the 140,000-square-foot retail center, formerly known as the Marina Waterside, through an extensive $11 million renovation program.

The Caruso team has created a charming yet sophisticated beach village with colorful fabric awnings and individualized storefronts and signage so each shop and restaurant has its own identity. The large site has been redesigned as a curving crescent with larger sidewalks, plazas and open space to dramatically improve the pedestrian experience. Combined with a custom landscaping program, with a variety of trees, a rose garden and abundant plantings, the center is now an inviting shopping, dining and community gathering place in the heart of Marina del Rey.

"The center has an unparalleled area that boasts a vibrant community, established homes, as well as many new residential developments, yet retail has not kept up with market demand," said Rick Caruso, CEO, Caruso Affiliated. "At the Waterside Marina del Rey we have created a sophisticated and welcoming environment, retaining the great shops and restaurants that people enjoy while bringing in new retailers and dining choices, especially for this community."

Caruso Affiliated redesigned the center adding approximately 10,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space and an outdoor dining and patio area. In the heart of the center is a 3,500-square-foot cobblestone and tile courtyard which serves as both a visual and physical focal point at the heart of the center. A low-scale and elegant fountain features an imported 20th century bronze sculpture and is surrounded by a maritime inspired compass rose. The guest arrival has been enhanced with a more formal entrance from Admiralty Way and new entry from Lincoln Blvd.

Opening at The Waterside Marina del Rey are several new retailers: M. Fredric Woman and M. Fredric Man; White House/Black Market; Marmi Shoes; Brighton Collectibles; and Maison d'Optique.

Adding to the dining choices is Le Marmiton, a popular French bistro that opens in mid-December after relocating from Montana Avenue. The restaurant's warmly decorated, larger space will accommodate its continually growing clientele. A large restaurant dining patio incorporates a mature olive tree as a graceful centerpiece and is surrounded by a rose garden. Also new to the center are Starbucks and Coldstone Creamery. Returning favorites are Chipotle Mexican Grill with a new outdoor dining area, Sushi Hara and California Pizza Kitchen, which has been completely remodeled and is opening in mid-December.

"We have recreated The Waterside to be an environment that is more accessible and appealing. People in Marina del Rey now have a place where they can meet friends for dinner, shop with family or sit by the fountain and relax," noted Caruso.

The Waterside Marina del Rey will also include the many retailers and service businesses that have long been community favorites. Service providers, Bank of America, the U.S. Post Office, Flair Cleaners and the UPS Store will continue to operate in their former locations. Meeting the needs of the many boat and yacht owners is West Marine Products. Beauty and hair care providers include: Carlton Hair, Waterside Beauty and Christine Valmy Skin Care Salon. Women's apparel and product shops are: Lacy Lady, Beyond Scents, Gotta Have Shoes and Chico's, with High Point Swim returning to the center in the first quarter of 2006. Offering home furnishings, decor, gifts and sundries are: Pier 1 Imports, Marina Fine Arts, Wrapsody, Tobacco Trader, Rainbow Acres and Jeanne's Hallmark. Universal Jewelers has a newly remodeled store with an array of fine jewelry, watches and other gifts. Anchoring the center will be a new 36,365-square-foot Ralphs Fresh Fare, opening in the first quarter of 2006.

Caruso Affiliated acquired the center, located adjacent to Lincoln Boulevard between Mindanao Way and Fiji Way, in 2004. In addition to the interior landscaping, the company also has made significant perimeter landscaping improvements. For example, at the corner of Fiji Way and Admiralty Way, trees and green space enhance the streetscape and welcome visitors. Caruso has added 130 parking spaces throughout the center. The Waterside at Marina del Rey is now 100 percent leased to top retailers to serve this bustling community.

Opening festivities from November 17 through November 20 include music in the fountain courtyard from noon until 3 p.m. and from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. each day. Many of the retailers are hosting in-store events and promotions with giveaways, samplings, drawings, refreshments and fun for all ages.

For more than 10 years, Caruso Affiliated has created a unique mix of culture, community and connection, with destinations drawing millions of visitors each year to its parks, promenades, fountains and plazas integrated with upscale retail and entertainment. Reading the mood of today's savvy consumer, the company creates meticulously detailed environments that feel inviting, safe and comfortable for families and people of all ages. Its style has become a recognized brand within the retail industry.