How the Eaton Centre is spending its $120 million in make-over money

Last week, when we heard that the Eaton Centre was about to undergo a $120-million reno (its first since the late ’70s), we pondered what changes the downtown shopping centre could really use. Some of our requests (like a new art installation) were granted, and others (the Bored Boyfriend Lounge) have been ignored. Here’s what shoppers can expect from the transformation:

• The entire mall will get new lighting, flooring and stainless steel guard rails.
• Entrances to the building will be updated.
• Washrooms will be expanded.
• The third floor will get glass railings, Italian-style tiling, a new ceiling treatment and a lighting installation from UnitedVisualArtists.
• Both food courts will be completely reno’d with suspended wood ceilings and new lighting.
• Green initiatives include reusable plates and utensils, as well as a “food pulping” machine that processes leftovers for the green bin.
• The south food court will be turned into a higher-end restaurant called Open Kitchen by Richtree.
• The north food court, which is underused right now, will become the primary eating area.
• The entire project will take two years to complete.

• Eaton Centre to get $120-million makeover [Globe and Mail]
• Eaton Centre will get $120M facelift [CBC]
• Cadillac Fairview starts $120M Eaton Centre upgrade [CTV]