Carmel Plaza is a beloved local landmark, the retail heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s thriving downtown. Field Paoli assisted Macerich to update the aging center’s character to better represent the area’s unique setting, which is characterized by its natural beauty. We renovated the existing frontage along the main retail street, Ocean Avenue, using natural materials and warm colors to fit into the existing architectural tradition. The old 1950’s Saks building was transformed into a contemporary human-scaled retail streetscape for Wilkes Bashford, with an adjoining small plaza and fountain creating
an intimately scaled new entrance for the project. The overall aesthetic reinforces Carmel’s “village-in-a-forest” feel.