CANOGA PARK : Robinsons-May Plans Reopening Festivities

Nearly a year after the Northridge earthquake forced its closure, the Robinsons-May department store in Topanga Plaza will reopen Thursday.

The store was retrofitted and brought up to seismic requirements after the temblor damaged the building in January, said Jim Watterson, vice president of public relations for Robinsons-May.

The work cost in excess of $20 million, Watterson said.

About 30,000 square feet of shopping space were added, including an atrium on the top floor that floods the building with natural light.

“We really consider this our flagship store for the entire San Fernando Valley,” said Watterson.

The Topanga Plaza store, originally a May Co. store, was built in 1966, making it the 10th in Southern California. Forty-two stores have been erected since that time, and were renamed Robinsons-May in 1993 when the parent companies of the two chains announced their consolidation.

The store’s reopening will feature a weekend of special events.

Customers can pick up home decorating tips from experts at noon Friday. KROQ radio personality Tami Heide will headline a young men’s fashion show from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, when models from local high schools will show off the latest clothing trends.

A character from the Walt Disney film “The Lion King” will make a special appearance Sunday to highlight the opening of a department filled with stuffed animals, clothing and toys depicting characters from the film.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey will sign autographs from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.