Frida at Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance

Giroux Glass installation at Frida, Del Amo Fashion Square — First view of the impressive glass facade, installed by Giroux Glass, at Frida, Del Amo Fashion Center.

If you haven’t been there lately, the newly-renovated Del Amo Fashion Center is definitely worth checking out. If it’s been a few years since your last visit, you won’t recognize the place. Yes, it’s historical — it opened in 1961 and for many years held the title of “largest mall in the United States,” until Minnesota’s Mall of America stole its thunder in 1992. But with a change of ownership in 2013, the Simon Property Group began a $200 million transformation of the north side of the mall. A new food court opened that year, while the newly-redesigned “Fashion Wing” on the north side opened in late 2015 with Nordstrom being the new mall anchor. (Giroux Glass worked on that Nordstom, please refer to our Dec. 4, 2015 blog post.)

Most recently, we performed most of the glass work on another desirable destination in that wing, the beautiful “Frida Mexican Cuisine” restaurant, located almost next door to Nordstrom. The restaurant boasts a high-end modern design, much of it achieved through the artful use of glass and mirror, creating an almost seamless transition between interior and outside space. Arguably the most interesting part of the restaurant’s layout is the glass-encased, gas fireplace that straddles both indoors and outside, providing warmth, light and a central focal point to the modern design. Or perhaps it’s the patio itself, a cozy space surrounding a tree, that offers diners a beautiful view from any seat, of the glass-enclosed space, the fireplace, and the lively bar area inside.

The general contractor was Charles K. Dusenberry II, Inc., better known as “CKD2,” out of San Diego, who brought to life the beautiful plans created by TAG Front architects of West Hollywood. Suppliers included two C.R. Laurence, whose products included the sliding stacking door systems that lead into the outside courtyard, along with Triview Glass for most of the glass used. The project was completed by the Giroux Glass High-End Design team, and the field crew included Rob Neal and Joey McEwen.

Says Giroux Glass’ Jess Carreon, who estimated the project, “I really like the big frameless look of the full-size glass lites and the custom sliding/stacking doors. This project has both, which I think help to give it that high-end look. It’s a beautiful space.”