Old Orchard says it will drop apple and food court

The owners of Westfield Old Orchard are expected to pick the giant apple off the top of the food court.

The outdoor Skokie mall is making changes in attempts to update its look and increase customers. Removing the red apple that's bigger than a car is one step to renovate the center, said marketing director Amy Benson.

Another change for the upscale mall is to eliminate the food court and replace it with an "upgraded" dining concept. Benson said the renovated dining area would feature two restaurants, large windows and a retail mix.

She said the mall's owners have not signed leases and can't talk about the new tenants or further details of the plan.

"It'll be good for the customer," she added.

The construction of the new dining concept should start next summer and should take about a year to complete, she said.

The village board in Skokie approved the proposed changes earlier this month.

The food court and the apple on top of it were added to the mall in the mid-1990s, Benson said.

Westfield officials told the board that the upgrades are designed to make the mall more attractive and bring in more shoppers and retailers.

The changes will help the center survive the brutal economy, the company said.