Developers Turn On Citadel Lights
If the Citadel Outlets weren’t enough of an attraction—with their ancient castle–like architecture—they now have four double-sided “Jumbotron”-style video screens to dress up the faccedil;ade.
The screens are part of the $52 million expansion being undertaken by owner CraigRealty Group of Newport Beach, Calif., which is adding close to 130,000 square feet to the Commerce, Calif.–based retail center. Construction is scheduled to be completed this fall.
The expansion will feature 32 new stores and eateries, including Nautica, BCBG, Sunglass Hut Outlet, Papaya, Charlotte Russe, Reebok, d.e.m.o., Guess, Zales Outlet, Ecko Apparel, Wilsons Leather, Pacific Sunwear, Billabong, Shoe Pavilion, Ruby’s Diner, Panda Express and Calvin Klein. Puma, Samsonite and Casual Male have already opened. The center will grow from 147,000 to 273,000 square feet.
The LED screens, viewable to an estimated 250,000 Interstate 5 commuters daily, will project high-definition images and messages from 5 a.m. until midnight. The owners staged a “freeway fashion show” on the screens, featuring models wearing apparel and accessories from the outlet center’s retail tenants, during the unveiling last week.
“Our goal was to not only attract more name-brand outlet stores and expand the complex, but to let the thousands of people who pass it every day know what the Citadel has to offer,” said Steven L. Craig, president of Craig Realty Group. “Simply put, we want to tell a story of what lives behind the wall.”
Dallas-based BillBoard Video Inc. supplied the screens. The Samson Tire and Rubber Co. built the structure in 1928, modeling it after an Assyrian palace.
—Robert McAllister
