Model of Irvine Spectrum Hints at What’s to Come

The third phase of the splashy Irvine Spectrum Center isn’t a reality yet, but a model of the completed project was displayed last week at the International Council of Shopping Centers in Las Vegas.

And names on top of the miniature stores gave hints about which retailers might eventually take up residence in the center’s final phase, scheduled to be built this year.

Old Navy, which sells casual clothes, was scrolled on top of one model, while another listed some Wet Seal Inc. brands, indicating that the Foothill Ranch-based retailer of young women’s clothing might claim a space.

Although both the Irvine Co., which owns the land, and Wet Seal said no deal is signed yet, the two have been talking. “The deal isn’t totally done yet,” Wet Seal President Edmond Thomas said.

An Irvine Co. representative told conventioneers that Wet Seal intends to sell all its brands under one roof at the Irvine store. Normally, the retailer operates Contempo Casuals, Arden B., Limbo Lounge and Wet Seal stores.

Thomas declined to say precisely what plans the company may have for that location. But if Wet Seal does lease a spot, the store will be different from others the company operates, he said. “It’s still in the conceptual stages,” he said.

Also at the convention, the Santa Margarita Town Center was one of six shopping centers honored for innovative design. The Rancho Santa Margarita center was recognized for its “radiating layout” that allows each shop on the 310,000-square-foot strip to be seen from all four points of arrival and for its “rich palette of materials, colors and stone materials [that] integrate well with the landscape to create an uncommonly comfortable environment.”

The center is owned by Koll Development Co. and managed by CB Richard Ellis. The designer was Altoon+Porter Architects, and the general contractor was Koll Construction. Stores include Target, Ross Dress for Less and Super Crown Books.