Mall Carounsel-Final Update and First Look

     Well, much later than the 90 days I was told but better late than never, the Galleria's Carousel has made it back to the mall and is set to open this weekend. Most noticeably and disappointing to me is the lack of base and traditional top. The base that the carousel sat on gave it a greater presence and stature. Without it, the carousel looks smaller. It also gave a better view for non-riding parents to see their children. At floor level, it just seems less grand. And the top? Well this is certainly a different look, exposing the inner-workings may not have been the desire effect but that is what it does and while I guess it looks more modern, is modern really a look you would pair with a carousel? Rides are free all this weekend if you want to go check it out, as we will be.

     The elevators are gone, moved to the recess to the left of the walls shielding she Von Maur facade construction. There is nothing to the elevators now. They are concealed in a wall, a stark contrast to the open, fun and visually appealing nature of the old glass elevators. On my last visit, the new railing was welded up but not painted. Judging by the orange cones, I would guess the day I visited that the paint was still wet.It doesn't look terrible, just very, very different.

     The other thing I noticed on my visit was the addition of these fabric sails and some new lighting. There wasn't much to see on this day but from what I have read online, these are designed to display changing lighting and projections. The article I read on al.com (which I can't find today or I would link) mentioned that they would be used a lot during holidays and football season. In my mind, this means things like virtual snowflakes falling or football games being displayed on them but who knows how close I am to being right. In either case, I am eager to see their intended use.
     It seems the renovations are almost complete so I won't update about this again. Soon, Forever 21 will move out of the food court to the old bottom floor of the old McRae's. Sometime before Black Friday, Old Navy will take that spot and in the same time frame (presumably) Von Maur will open. There are still parts of the mall that are dirty looking, even with new paint and facades applied. My hope is that they are waiting until all the construction is done to give it a good shine and polish. I might be looking a little closer than most but there are some places that really, really need it.