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Photos: After delays, it’s showtime at the Bloc

The ambitious makeover of the Bloc from a bunker-like indoor mall from the 1970s into an open outdoor center ran substantially over budget and a year and a half behind schedule. Ratkovich Co. President Wayne Ratkovich, above, says the troubled project is finally coming together.

The ambitious makeover of the Bloc from a bunker-like indoor mall from the 1970s into an open outdoor center ran substantially over budget and a year and a half behind schedule. Ratkovich Co. President Wayne Ratkovich, above, says the troubled project is finally coming together.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

Unexpected construction issues slowed work and helped drive costs well over the original $180-million budget for the Bloc.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

Views from the top observation deck at 700 S. Flower Street.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

TThe Bloc’s hulking garage for 2,000 cars was renovated as part of the mall project. The Bloc is now 76% leased.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

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After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

The price of the Bloc’s makeover jumped $70 million to more than $250 million.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

Developers Ratkovich Co. removed much of the main floor of the old mall to create a sunken public plaza. There is now a direct portal to the busy 7th Street/Metro Center subway station.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

The Bloc is one of downtown L.A.’s most complex and significant real estate developments.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

As the makeover process dragged on, some prospective tenants bailed out. Above, Bloc tenants enjoy the rooftop oasis.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

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After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

An lounge area at the Bloc.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

L.A. developer Ratkovich Co. created a rooftop oasis and observation deck for tenants of the Bloc’s office building.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

After delays, it's showtime at the Bloc

The Bloc is transforming the former Macy’s Plaza in downtown L.A. with a $250-million makeover.

  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

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