Costa Mesa : Bullock’s Expansion Will Begin Next Year

Expansion of the three-story Bullock’s store at South Coast Plaza will begin next year, a spokesman for the plaza’s owner said after the City Council unanimously approved plans to add another 90,300 square feet to the department store.

The project will not include a proposed pedestrian bridge across Bear Street, linking the department store with a mall annex now being built, but the council in its action Monday tacked on a requirement that foot traffic be studied in the area.

As a result of the pedestrian study, additional crosswalks on surrounding streets, pedestrian bridges or footpaths through parking lots could be constructed, according to Reba Touw, an associate planner for the city.

City planners originally wanted to require mall owner C. J. Segerstrom and Sons to build a pedestrian bridge linking the plaza with the annex across Bear Street to help to encourage shoppers to leave their cars and walk to other shopping areas.

However, the bridge requirement was dropped after the Planning Commission decided that measures to promote foot traffic should be postponed until after traffic studies are completed.

Although Segerstrom has not yet submitted working drawings, the council approval means that construction of the new wing can begin immediately.

Malcolm Ross, director of development for Segerstrom, said construction will begin early next year because Bullock’s “doesn’t want any major interruptions until after the Christmas season.”