Visitors to Brookfield Place are already experiencing a luxurious environment when they enter from the glass atrium. Soon, as escalators bring them upwards from the West Concourse, they will have a view directly into the Winter Garden.

David Cheiken, vice president of Brookfield Properties, said next year, retailers Hermes, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Ermenegildo Zenga will surround the Winter Garden in shops with 40-foot-tall windows.

Behind temporary plywood, the old black, green, brown and white marble is being replaced with modern warm creams. Pillars in a casual dining area are being tiled with white marble strips, while dappled terrazzo floors will echo the rippling river right outside.

Fourteen eateries will include Umami Burger, Skinny Pizza and Olives. “This will be the culinary heartbeat of Downtown,” declared Cheiken.