The Malibu Lumber Yard.

I am officially obsessed with the Malibu Lumber Yard. This area opened up recently in the Cross Creek Plaza. Originally, Cross Creek was a fantastic area that offered residents everything from numerous coffee shops (the small center provided patrons with the option of getting their daily caffeine fix from either Starbucks or Coffee Bean) and great hole-in-the-wall restaurants (places like the Mexican-themed Casa Escobar, the Italian-flavored Tra Di Noi and the one and only John's Garden, a delectable salad and sandwich spot) to clothing stores and celebrity hotspots, like Nobu, a popular and pricey sushi establishment.

Due to the neat state of the economy, shops were closing on a regular basis. The pet store, which was home to many Pepperdine students who filled the void of being unable to have dogs in their dorm rooms by playing with puppies on the store's grounds, shut down. Casa Escobar closed. Ben and Jerry's ceased to exist. The movie theater was at risk, and rumors spread that Marmalade, a chain restaurant that serves the best breakfast in town, was about to see its time in Malibu come to an end as well.

In the midst of this economic turmoil, something was brewing on the grounds of the former Malibu Lumber Yard. When I was a freshman at Pepperdine in 2004, the lumber yard was in full swing. It was essentially a huge hardware store where patrons could purchase building supplies and home improvement gadgets. It went out of business long before any of the present economic problems arose. The space had remained occupied by the lumber yard building itself but it was void of employees, products and shoppers.

The Malibu Lumber Yard project had been planned since the fall of 2007, yet it was uncertain as to what stores would fill the spaces being constructed on the premises. Because the inner courtyard was obstructed by the lumber yard's original walls, residents went about their daily business, unconcerned and undisturbed by what might be occupying the storefronts come 2009.

The grand opening for the space was held recently but I only stumbled upon this treasure trove yesterday. I guess I had no expectations for what the space might hold but I was blown away. The architecture and design are fabulous. The space is constructed using dark red and brown wood, remaining true to the lumber yard feel. Tall, oblong fish tanks filled with tropical plants and creatures are placed strategically throughout the space like statutes. Luscious-looking cream chaises line the porch in front of James Perse, an upscale clothing store.

The lumber yard aesthetic of the actual space perfectly complements the types of stores occupying the shops. JCrew is tucked into the corner and its interior is whitewashed and given a beachy feel, while Tory Burch is in the middle and its walls are screaming with neon colors. Theory, next to Tory Burch, has a toned-down storefront and practices minimalism, as the store itself almost looks like a warehouse. Crumbs is a delicious cupcake bakery across the way from Tory Burch and JCrew; not only does it offer delectable treats and tasty coffee beverages but it's sophisticated in its decorations as well.

Fittingly, there are many random yet perfect touches to the lumber yard. There is a Ping-Pong table available for patrons's use, located outside of James Perse, next to a row of beach cruisers. D'Amore's Pizza owners decided to send their delivery truck to post up outside of Crumbs, offering residents the opportunity to grab a slice of cheese or pepperoni before exploring the shops. Tables litter the deck, providing customers with the perfect place to sit and take in the scene.

Even the name itself is so great. Not only is the label an ode to the former space but it's such a tribute to the simplicity that encapsulates the personality of Malibu. Truly, the Malibu Lumber Yard is the town's gem. Hurry over and check it out yourself.