SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - ABC 4 joined the throngs of shoppers excited to see the City Creek Center on its opening day to give you a step by step tour of what you can expect during your visit.
Our tour starts with the Salt Lake Temple. Across 100 South stands Richard Court. It's made up of 90 unit spread between two residential towers.
Shoppers can see the towers above as the fountains below greet them during their first look at the new mall.
One fountain boasts water balls of sorts and others shoot short blasts of water into the air for weary shoppers to enjoy.
The waterway leads people into an open circular area filled with shops including Rolex, Loft and Tiffany & Co.
"It's great. It's really quiet fantastic. A lot of options," said Randall Bennett from Roosevelt, Utah.
City Creek's western most anchor shop is Nordstrom.
Inside we found a woman trying on a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, which cost as much as $1000 a pair.
The energy is high as people take their first look inside.
"I think it's beautiful. It's nice. It's nice that's open," said Deeanne Bennett.
Outside Nordstrom we make our way east along the lower portion of the mall.
A creek flows between the shoppers below and above is the open sky thanks to a giant glass retractable roof.
"It's peaceful. It's like being in nature," said Kaz Speirs from Salt Lake City.
It's a lot to take in for shoppers visiting the mall for their first time.
Next, we walk east across main street.
The sound of trickling water in a creek welcomes excited shoppers into this portion of the mall.
"It's just got a lot of good light and this nice little stream that goes through. It's great!" said Ally Bennett from Salt Lake City.
Inside is a warm and inviting space filled with retail shops.
"It's great. It's wonderful. It's a good experience. I kind of feel like I'm on vacation," said Bennett.
There are many dining options for vacationers.
A 1000 seat food court sits east of the shops in a covered area.
The food options include Subway, McDonald's, Sbarro, Chick-fil-a, and Taste of Red Iguana. "It's so good. They have a special today that is only $4 and it's the mango enchilada," said Myina Sutherland from Sugarhouse.
The Cheesecake factory sits outside the food court. Our crews found no wait during the lunch hour on the opening day.
We move upstairs where we find Macy's, the eastern most anchor shop, and a Disney store.
"Just really a good place to be today," said Sutherland.
This store theme is magic. Magic Disney scenes flicker on trees and kids can look into a magic mirror.
"I see happiness. I see friends. I see a lot of excitement," said Bennett.
Across State Street facing west sits the new Harmons store. It opened February 15th and touts 56,000 square feet of food waiting for hungry downtown shoppers.
One of the crowing features of the City Creek project is the skybridge. It connects the east and west sides of the mall over Main Street. It's about 140 feet across and weights about 320,000 pounds.
The bridge was always visible from the outside, but for the first time shoppers can walk inside to enjoy probably one of the most unique pieces of architecture in Salt Lake City.
"I think it's pretty amazing. I'm so glad we have this so we don't have to worry about crossing a busy street," said Kari Worthington from Holladay.
Shoppers walking on the inside can look out to see their surroundings in the City and the shoppers below on Main street.
"It feels very peaceful. I kind of like to see a lot of people walking around and enjoying themselves," said Michaelle Martial from Salt Lake City.
Moving west on the second floor of the shopping center we spot many more stores including White House Black Market, Ann Taylor and H&M.
"I feel like I'm on vacation. I really do," said Amanda Wilcoxen from Ogden.
One of the most anticipated stores is Tiffany & Co. It's the only one in Utah and touts some affordable bling in the 1837 collection. The starting price is $200.
Shoppers can pay a little more; try $100,000 for an Aqua Marine stone with small diamonds making up a Tiffany bow around the blue stone.
The most expensive item is a three carrot engagement ring in a glass display outside the storefront. The ring costs $186,500.
"I think I'll never be able to afford that in my lifetime. It's amazing," said Wilcoxen.
The ring is amazing and as shoppers will tell you-- fun to check out.
Regular City Creek Center shopping hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. To 9 p.m.
Grand opening hours continue through March 31. They are Mon-Thur, 10a-9p; Fri-Say, 10p-10p.
Restaurant and anchor hours may vary.
