EXTREME MAKEOVER A.V. MALL CELEBRATES NEW LOOK.

Byline: PATRICK ST. MICHEL Staff Writer

PALMDALE -- Malls, like mortals, need a makeover every now and then.

After 12 years, the Antelope Valley Mall has received just that, and a weekend-long ``Renovation Celebration'' is scheduled to commemorate the shopping spot's new look.

Festivities kicked off Friday morning at an opening ceremony at the mall's newly renovated main entrance where several special guests spoke, including Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.

``The mall is the center of the community's retail universe,'' he said in front of a new red-and-white sign gracing the mall's entrance. ``This is where our Antelope Valley is moving forward.''

Among the new features at the mall are tile floors, a remodeled food court, family restrooms, directional signs, a redesigned front fountain and palm trees outside the main entrance.

General Manager Keith Geiger said he hopes the changes will draw shoppers.

``The renovations have created a more open, cleaner look,'' he said. ``They have changed the overall atmosphere of the mall.''

Geiger also said the updates, originally scheduled to be completed last November, changed over time.

``We added a lot of upgrades since the initial scope,'' he said.

The general manager said costs for the changes are still running, but said they will probably be ``in excess of $7 million.''

Additions to the Antelope Valley Mall are far from finished. A new movie theater is set to open Sept. 29 behind the mall, Geiger said. Several restaurants, including a BJ's Restaurant and Brewery and a Hilton Garden Inn are coming to the area as well.

Mall marketing director Tricia Granger is excited about the recent renovations.

``These changes provide a more open feeling,'' she said.

Of the new features, Granger said she is very pleased with the addition of a guest services kiosk and the various signs dotting the mall.

Mall patrons already are weighing in on the changes. Palmdale resident Anita Allen said she liked what she saw.

``(The renovations) are wonderful,'' she said while clutching a black Antelope Valley Mall tote bag. ``I like it all.''

The Renovation Celebration will run all weekend. Events start at 10 a.m. today when mall management will hand out goodie bags to the first 150 customers.

Patrons can have their pictures taken with Auggie the Antelope at the food court at 11 a.m. From 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., various groups including Extensions Dance Studio will perform at the mall's Center Court.

On Sunday, festivities kick off at 11 a.m., with more goodie bags to the first 100 people.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., mall employees will make random purchases for shoppers.

Entertainment will be staged from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Center Court.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Mall General Manager Keith Geiger speaks at the Antelope Valley Mall's Renovation Celebration on Friday in front of the renovated mall entrance. Geiger said the mall's improvements have lent it a more open look.

(2 -- 3 -- color) At left, Lancaster Mayor Henry Hearns and Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford look over the Antelope Valley Mall during its Renovation Celebration event on Friday. Above, the newly renovated floor and eating area of the Antelope Valley Mall. Other improvements to the mall include family restrooms, directional signs, a redesigned fountain and palm trees outside the main entrance.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer