The Grove at Farmers Market

The Grove is a retail and entertainment complex in Los Angeles, California, built by the real estate firm Caruso Affiliated on parts of the historic Farmers Market. The complex fills space previously occupied by an orchard and nursery (the last remains of a dairy farm owned by A.F. Gilmore in the latter part of the 19th century). In spite of controversy over potentially increased traffic in a neighborhood that already offered several other shopping venues, including the Beverly Center, the developers began demolition of an antique alley and other older buildings on Third Street behind CBS Television City, and broke ground for the new mall in 1999. The Grove opened in 2002 and, by all press accounts, has been a busy and popular destination since that date.

The 575,000-square-foot (53,000-m²) outdoor marketplace is located in Los Angeles' Fairfax District. Caruso Affiliated claims to have modeled its architectural designs on indigenous Los Angeles buildings, influenced by classic historic districts with shopping alleys, broad plazas, and intimate courtyards. However, the design is a series of Art Deco-style false fronts with boxy interiors similar to other contemporary stores.

The Grove features a large center park with water features by WET Design. Its music-fountain show is reminiscent of the Bellagio spectacle in Las Vegas, but on a much smaller scale. There is also The Spirit of Los Angeles statue. An internal transit system uses electric-powered trolley cars to link The Grove and the adjacent Farmers Market. The Grove is anchored by the department store Nordstrom, as well as Banana Republic, The Gap, J.Crew, west coast flagship Abercrombie & Fitch, and Pacific Sunwear and specialty outlets including Barnes & Noble, Crate & Barrel, Los Angeles flagship Apple Store, Nike Women, and American Girl Place.

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