Paris unveils $1 billion revamp of once-dreary Forum des Halles
A once-gloomy underground shopping and transit center in Paris is now a sparkling metropolitan complex after nearly a decade of construction.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Tuesday unveiled the long-awaited $1 billion revamp of Forum des Halles, with 35 new stores and restaurants under an eye-catching glass-and-metal canopy roof.
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Forum des Halles is where many visitors to Paris first arrive — it includes the largest underground train station in the world.
The previous structure, an underground mall, made less than a great impression when it replaced Paris' famous fresh food market in 1971. It had been criticized for its rundown appearance.
The roof of the new structure was designed by architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti, and has been called the "canopy."
Inside, among the many new stores and restaurants, is a brasserie by famed chef Alain Ducasse.
Construction of the new complex has taken nearly a decade. Officials have documented many stages of the project on an official website.
There is also a cultural center dedicated to hip-hop and a sports facility for parkour.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
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