Wraps are off the new Metreon

When the Sony Metreon first debuted in downtown San Francisco, its general manager proclaimed it “San Francisco’s newest landmark.” Nearly 13 years later, we can safely say it was a bold statement.

Sony moved on in 2006, and now Westfield’s Metreon is hoping for a second chance. After Saturday’s unveiling of its newly renovated interiors, it may just get one. The soft opening showed off the results of its $30 million makeover: Wider and higher corridors, new escalators and an impressive 470-seat dining terrace with views of Yerba Buena Gardens.

“We’re taking something and making it more relevant,” Scot Vallee, vice president of development for Westfield told the Chron. “Two or three years from now, it will just blend in.”

At the moment, only Sanraku, Buckhorn Grill, San Francisco Soup Company and SoGreen Yogurt occupy the dining terrace. However, we can look forward to Cako Bakery, Cako Creamy, La Boulange and Massage Envy arriving later this month. An additional 19 retail and restaurant spots will be moving in this spring, including Super Duper Burger, Freshroll Vietnamese, Inay Filipino Kitchen and Chronicle Books.

In October, The City’s first Target store will take up residence in 85,000 square feet of the mall’s second floor. Word is still out on whether this is a really awesome, or insanely stupid idea.