Demolition Kicks Off at Santa Monica Place: 1) Construction crews bring down the 1980s-era “Santa Monica Place” sign on Thursday. March 17, 2008. The Santa Monica Place sign crashed down and created a highly visual feat of pyrotechnic de-construction.2) (left to right) Randy Brant, Vice President from Macerich, Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom, and City Manager Lamont Ewell hit the demolition button. 3) Santa Monica City Manager Lamont Ewell gives a welcoming speech. 4,5) The UCLA marching band plays along the Third Street Promenade. 6) The crowed watches the firework show. 7) Construction crews survey the aftermath. ~ This high-profile event launches the 18-month process of creating the new, all open-air recycling of the old shopping mall, which closed in January and is scheduled to open as the new Santa Monica Place in fall 2009. Sustainability and green-building practices are a key part of the project’s design and construction. The new Santa Monica Place will be a fresh, modern, three-level retail and dining destination, with a signature, rooftop dining deck with great views of the ocean.