Waterford - A $10 million renovation to the Crystal Mall is half complete in time for the holiday season, with a target date to finish in April.

New carpeting and soft seating surrounded by plantings on the first floor make the mall more attractive and comfortable for shoppers, said Mall Manager Karen Tarantino.

Plain white tile on the first level is being replaced by porcelain tile with chocolate brown and tan highlights and patterns, Tarantino said.

"It's just a lot richer, warmer, than the white tile we had before," she said. "I think shoppers will feel a difference when they shop Crystal Mall now that we have more amenities."

The mall has also renovated its restrooms, modernized hand rails on the second level, refurbished and relocated the Kids Play Area to the lower level court of the Christmas Tree Shops and relocated a new Simon Guest Services Booth, putting it near the elevator. New exterior signs also have been added.

The work by Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. of Framingham, Mass., has generated about 200 construction jobs, she added.

Holiday décor includes "Elegant Garden," a set for Santa photos; LED light curtains; and a 20-foot Christmas tree with interactive play at its base for children.

A renovation newsletter, color renderings, samples of mall amenities and finished materials are on display at the mall in the "Renovation Station," Tarantino said.

By next April, carpet will be installed on the upper level, mall entrances will be redesigned, and lighting will be redone.

In the meantime, work has been suspended for the Thanksgiving holiday week but will resume nights on Sunday. Work will also be suspended during the week of Dec. 18, and resume after Christmas.

The 775,000-square-foot mall is anchored by JCPenney, Macy's, Sears, Christmas Tree Shops and Bed Bath & Beyond, and features more than 125 specialty stores. It is owned by the Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc.

p.daddona@theday.com