Brookfield Square is holding a "celebration" in honor of its renovation from October 16-19. I was there a few days ago and was generally impressed with the changes.
Thumbs up: Overall redecoration
The whole mall has a cleaner, bigger look. The new flooring and new lighting make the mall brighter and seem more open. There are more seating areas with new armchairs and love seats.
Thumbs up: renovation of the food court
There is more seating, including banquette seating that partially rims the table areas. At the time I was there, what looked like a fireplace was not yet completed.
Thumbs down: counter seating behind banquettes
Although the addition of counters and bar stools adds more seating, when seated facing the banquettes, I found it a little disconcerting to look up and find a counter seater staring back at me.
Thumbs up: new food court vendors
Steak Escape and Stir Fry 88 to name a few. (Note: Stir Fry 88 is different from the new restaurant Stir Crazy, which is not located inside the mall but in a separate building on the north side of Boston Store.)
Thumbs down: Pushy sample person from Stir Fry 88
Was a little sulky when we turned down the free samples.
Thumbs down: Parking on the east side of the mall
With the addition of the new Claim Jumper restaurant, parking on the east side of the mall has become more of a hassle. I find that parking around Sears is usually the best option.
Thumbs up: interactive floor game for kids by the food court
I'm not sure how this works exactly, but there is a machine on the ceiling that projects games on to a special mat on the floor. Children can make things move in the various games by moving their feet on the floor mat. (So, you can "kick" balls and other objects.)
