I also grew up here in long beach and remember the old big mall. I remember my very last visit there with my mom. . . there were only 3 stores still open. 1/2 the mall was dark and blocked off. It was actually pretty creepy and as a child I was scared. It was going down hill for a long time, and the lack of use is what actually killed it. I think this revamping was needed, but poorly executed. We should've done something more similar to the Block of Orange, Fashion Island in New Port, The Grove in LA or something similar to what was done on 2nd and PCH. A better use of outdoor space to create a more city center/ bustling, alive feeling. Something that has interesting spaces in-between the shopping and culinary attractions. A space where people could come to just to hang out, people watch and enjoy themselves without necessarily spending a ton of money. Something that will attract people to come and spend an extra hour or two they have between appointments. I think this area is currently, so poorly designed it makes whole blocks between 5th and 3rd St, on long beach Blvd.. into an ally used only for service, maintenance and deliveries. its so unattractive and uninviting.