Ala Moana is disclosing names of only some of the 13 tenants that have signed leases so far, including Betsey Johnson, the New York women's clothing designer; Build-A-Bear Workshop, the make-your-own stuffed animal retailer; clothier Hollister; and shoe store Journey's.

Eyewear shop Sole Mio and a retailer of animated character merchandise, Animation Magic, are also joining local retailers Sandal Tree (footwear) and Maui Divers (jewelry) as new tenants.

Renovation work in progress is estimated to cost roughly $50 million, and involves the creation of a new fourth level, escalators, walkways and bridges connecting new stores to existing mall and parking areas.

"These are exciting times for Ala Moana Center," said Dwight Yoshimura, senior general manager of the mall. "This redevelopment will continue to enhance the quality and character of retailing in Hawai'i."

The renovation of the Penney store, which closed in January 2003, has taken some time because much of the work could not be done until tenant commitments were made.

Plans are to put two large retailers on the street level of the center next to the satellite city hall.

Most of the new stores will be on the mall level, where Shirokiya is losing some space to a few of the shops and is spending $2.8 million to renovate its store.

On the center's third level where existing tenants include Mai Tai Bar, California Pizza Kitchen and other restaurants, a new walkway and escalators are being built to connect with about seven new retail spaces carved from the old Penney's spot.

A new open-air fourth level will house three to five full-service restaurants that also would be connected to the third level by stairs and escalators.

In all, the 1.8 million-square-foot mall is reusing 140,000 square feet of space, less than the 220,000-square-foot Penney store because of space lost to store partitions and common areas.

Four retailers already at the mall will move into parts of the former Penney space: Hallmark Jewelers, Guess, Fendi and Sharper Image.

Undisclosed tenants that have yet to sign binding agreements have committed to nine of the 30 new store spaces, including one restaurant.

Leasing experts said retailers that mall owner General Growth Properties may be seeking could include Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Price Busters and a home furnishing store by Macy's.

All the new stores and restaurants are expected to open by spring 2005. When work is complete, Ala Moana will have about 270 retail and eating establishments.