Daniyel Gordon has her hands full. The senior general manager of Northridge Fashion Center is guiding the mall through a major transformation that includes a new outdoor lifestyle area and other interior and exterior renovations. Owned and operated by General Growth Properties, the shopping center will be snagging new tenants, including big-box anchor Sports Authority. Restaurants Elephant Bar and Yard House soon will join the center’s roster of dining establishments which already includes, Macaroni Grill, Claim Jumper and California Pizza Kitchen. The project is scheduled to be completed by the fall — just in time for the holiday season. “It’s time,” Gordon said. “We wanted to upgrade the shopping center and make it more modern.” To date, the 1.5 million-square-foot mall houses more than 170 retailers including Forever 21, H&M and Gap, as well as anchors Macy’s and JC Penney. The mall was last renovated in 1998. New porcelain flooring will replace the existing red, grey and black tiles and lighting throughout the mall will be upgraded, mall officials said. The food court is being overhauled with a new ceiling, new dining counters and banquette seating. The exterior food court will be expanded to include a covered outdoor dining terrace. Plans also include improving the mall entrances, and the Macy’s court, which serves as a primary area for events and gatherings. The outdoor lifestyle area will serve as space for live entertainment, concerts and programs. Sports Authority will fill the 54,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Borders, which closed last year after the company filed for bankruptcy. Gordon said the changes will be a great selling point for reeling in potential tenants. While nearby competitors such as Westfield Topanga feature designer boutiques and shops, Gordon said the shopping center is careful to bring in tenants that fit the demographic in the area. “We’re not looking for a Tiffany’s,” Gordon said. “That’s not our customer.” Download the 2012 LARGEST SHOPPING CENTERS list (pdf)