Irvine Spectrum Center - Design

Design

A solid-white obelisk, which, at night, features the words "Irvine Spectrum" vertically projected onto it, located on the northern corner near the 5 freeway, makes it a landmark of the area. The obelisk, prior to November, 2005, was a multi-color computer generated display of blues, greens, and purples. During the holiday seasons, various season-appropriate symbols were also displayed. However, beginning in November, 2005, the obelisk now shines in a bright white color that still makes it a landmark. The obelisk conceals a cell phone and television tower inside of it.

The Irvine Spectrum Center also features a large custom built Giant Wheel (Ferris Wheel) hand crafted in Italy and shipped through the Panama Canal, as well as a Carousel, fabricated in San Francisco. The unusual architecture of the mall is based on the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, figuring most prominently in the mall's second phase. The Center's popularity makes it known for being tough to find parking on Friday and Saturday nights after 5. However, as popularity grew, the Irvine Company, owner of the Center, built two parking structures, (one on each side): one by Edwards, the other by Nordstrom to aid convenience. The structures have sensors that determine how many vehicles are inside at any given moment. As you enter the structure, a large digital display will tell you how many spots are left on a given level. As a result of the structures, more space was open to build additional retail stores including as Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Jos A. Bank, The Saleen Store (Converted to SMS Motor cars), and Target. For those not wanting to look too long for a stall, the Center features four valet parking stations 1) Fortune Valet by the Cheesecake Factory and Javier's Cantina; 2) Gateway Valet by PF Chang's, 3) Tradesman Valet by The Yard house/The Improv, and 4) Myrtle's Valet near Johnny Rockets/Dave & Buster's (open lesser hours). Valet customers may also get their cars detailed while they shop.