In 1996, the PLAZA has just emerged from a massive makeover. The remodeling began in 1992, when J.C. Penney relocated into the former Gimbels / Stern's store. The bulk of the 1963 structure was then razed and replaced by a 2-level -very upscale- South Wing (in light gray). The mammoth mall now encompassed around 1,680,000 leasable square feet and contained 240 stores and services under its roof.

A new Lord & Taylor was part of the 1990s PLAZA renovation. This 120,000 square foot store opened in October 1995. It was followed by new Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom stores, which welcomed their first shoppers in March 1996.

As part of the mall's metamorphosis, all previously existing common area was given a post-modern, 1990s-style face lift. In this image, we see the shopping concourse that connected the old and new sections of the PLAZA. Storefronts on the left had been installed in the original (circa-1963) J.C. Penney structure. 
Photo from www.simon.com / Simon Property Group