MALL MAKEOVER MEDIA CENTER'S FACE LIFT STARTS SOON.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

BURBANK - The owners of Burbank's Media City Center mall have revealed their first-phase renovation plans, promising two new restaurants, enhanced architecture, and a homier theme to encourage residents to stay within city limits for their shopping needs.

Mall owners Crown Realty & Development released plans late last month, at about the same time Chinese bistro chain P.F. Chang become part of the renovation project.

In May, the City Council approved a plan to make Magnolia Boulevard's westbound lane a drop-off and pick-up zone to improve access to the restaurant.

Crown owners hope the mall's $7 million face lift and new theme, ``Come Home to Burbank,'' will attract local customers and retailers.

``It is the community's mall and we want the community to enjoy it,'' said Jim O'Neil, senior vice president for Crown. ``We want to give them reason to come to this mall and to not leave and go to another city.''

The first phase of the project will improve the mall's entrance at Magnolia and San Fernando boulevards, Crown officials said. Among the plans is a change of architectural treatments - stone, slate, glass and the warmer color tones. Flanking the mall entrance will be P.F. Chang's and a second restaurant.

Crown officials would not disclose what other restaurant will move in, saying only that there is great interest in being near P.F. Chang's.

Seen as downtown Burbank's western anchor, the 11-year-old mall's first phase of improvements is scheduled to start before the year ends.

Hot Topic, a specialty store aimed at shoppers 18 to 24 years old, also is set to open in the mall in fall. The store features fashions and accessories inspired by all kinds of music.

Media City Center, which includes Ikea, Macy's, Sears, and Barnes & Noble, sits on 41 acres of property and generates $250 million a year in tax revenue, owners said.

City officials said the mall's aesthetic improvements will help create a synergy with Burbank's other downtown revitalization projects along San Fernando Boulevard, including Urban Outfitters, scheduled to open soon, and the new AMC 16 theaters.

``Burbank is committed to the revitalization of our downtown and we applaud P.F. Chang's for sharing our vision,'' said Mayor Stacey Murphy in a prepared statement released by Crown.

``The city will continue to apply focus on making downtown Burbank a true regional destination, encouraging (a) pedestrian-friendly mix of restaurants, shopping and entertainment that appeals to both residents and local businesses.''

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

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An artist's rendering shows the new look for Burbank's Media Center mall. The initial phase is set to start by year's end.