Sneak peek: Lloyd Center's Millennial makeover

Lloyd Center is in desperate need of a makeover. Portland's OLDEST Mall opened in 1960. Since then, its had smaller updates throughout the years but this iconic mall is about to get a real face lift.

So far the multi-million dollar renovation project has seen the completion of a new entrance, food court, overhaul of the nation’s first open-air, indoor ice-rink and remodel of Lloyd Center’s signature three-story spiral staircase. With phase one of the renovation complete, contractors begin breaking ground on a new 16-theater cinema complete with full bar and luxury seating, a live music venue and local dining options.

Scroll down to see some of the plans in store (no pun intended) for this Portland landmark.

A futuristic makeover

Most of us have heard about the 20-minute neighborhood: That urban utopia in which residents can easily walk or bike to the grocery store, the library, a gym, restaurants and other entertainment and services without relying on a car. (Handy? Most definitely. Affordable? Probably not.) But developers and architects working on the Lloyd Center and surrounding blocks want to take that vision a step further: Why not a five-minute neighborhood?

A new vision for Portland's oldest mall

They're betting the redesigned Lloyd Center, which opened in 1960 during the golden age of the automobile and suburbia, can pivot to cater to those who value open, accessible spaces over inward-facing malls, and who would rather bike or take the MAX to work.

Under construction

After three years and tens of millions of dollars, the Lloyd Center’s expansive renovation is still underway. With an array of apartment complexes popping up nearby, developers are hoping the aging Northeast Portland mall will become a hub in an up-and-coming neighborhood. Below are dozens of renderings of plans for the Lloyd Center and a superblock of apartments – complete with work spaces for makers and a rooftop beer garden – planned next door.

The west end

These recently released renderings show the space formerly occupied by Nordstrom housing a grocery store, a pub, a gym and a clothing store. A plaza with plentiful outdoor seating leads shoppers to a new entrance.

The west end

Don't worry, the "Capitalism" coin sculpture isn't going anywhere.

The west end

As traditional anchor tenants shutter or shrink their mall locations, mall owners are getting more flexible, leasing space to tenants like gyms, grocery stores and even libraries.

The west end

Before...

The west end

... and after. In a presentation to Portland's Design Commission, the architects said they hoped the renovation, with a focus on pedestrian-friendly amenities, would help the mall continue its quest to turn itself inside out and appeal to passersby.

The west end

This is the current view from NE Ninth Ave, north of the former Nordstrom store.

The west end

Plans call for two new storefronts on the ground level, accessible from NE Ninth.

Macy's entrance

On the south side of the mall, across from Holladay Park, work is underway on a new entrance to Macy’s.

Macy's entrance

The remodel will add storefronts along the entrance, along with outdoor seating.

Macy's entrance

This is what the entrance used to look like.

Macy's entrance

This is what it looked like a couple months ago.

Macy's entrance

Just inside the entrance is a spiral staircase.

Inside the mall

Work on the shopping center’s popular ice rink was completed late last year.

Inside the mall

Much of the indoor renovations – new lighting, exposed terrazzo columns, new flooring – are complete.

Sears renovation

On the mall’s east end, a flashy, 14-screen movie theater encased in glass will occupy the upper floors of an expanded Sears building, with retail and office space on the lower two levels, replacing Sears' parking lot. It’s unclear whether the retailer will remain in its current space.

Sears renovation

This is the current view of the site, looking east from NE 13th and Multnomah.

Sears renovation

And this is what it would like after construction is finished.

Sears renovation

The new theater will feature a new, transparent entryway.

Sears renovation

This is the proposed view from 15th Street, with the new theater on the left and Marshalls on the right.

1400 NE Multnomah

Across the street from Sears, the parking lot between Holladay Park and the existing Regal Cinemas movie theater will be transformed into two six-story apartment buildings housing 698 units and 35,000 square feet of retail.

1400 NE Multnomah

The construction site is just south of the mall, shown in blue. The superblock is the same size as four Portland city blocks.

1400 NE Multnomah

Here's the view looking south from the mall. The complex will offer parking for bikes and cars. This project is slated for completion in mid-2019.

1400 NE Multnomah

And here's the view from NE 13th and Multnomah. The apartments will include space for restaurants and retail shops on the ground floor. See a tour here.

1400 NE Multnomah

The plans call for a pedestrian-friendly design, with space for a farmers market or bazaar between the buildings.

1400 NE Multnomah

The plans also call for lofts that would allow artists and makers to transform their apartments into workshops or storefronts.

1400 NE Multnomah

Residents would have access to multiple rooftop lounge areas, including a possible beer garden.

1400 NE Multnomah

The development will offer a water feature, and the architects are conducting an international search for an interactive art installation.

1400 NE Multnomah

A wide path will run through the center of the project – between the two buildings – so pedestrians will still have easy diagonal access from the MAX station and Holladay Park to Multnomah Street.

More apartments

This December rendering shows apartment buildings planned southeast of the mall, replacing a parking lot and the theater that sits kitty-corner from the mall. Dave Otte, a partner at Holst Architecture, said the design plans for the buildings has changed since December, and that construction will get underway after crews start on the 1400 NE Multnomah project, pictured here on bottom right.

- Tiffanie ❤❤❤