Ever since Americana Manhasset announced that Waldbaum's would be leaving, Manhasset residents have been speculating about what would take its place. Rumors have abounded, from major department stores to offices to more boutiques. Now Americana developer and owner Frank Castagna has identified his new tenants in Section IV, as it is called, and they are top of the line, keeping Americana Manhasset more like the Champs Elysees than like any shopping mall. In a number of cases designers already tenants of Americana Manhasset will relocate to occupy larger spaces. Among these, the largest is Brooks Brothers, which will now occupy 12,750 feet on two floors at the extreme eastern end of the property. Facing north, across Northern Boulevard, will be Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Christian Dior. Facing south will be St. John in a greatly expanded shop, Coach and Payard. In an interview, Americana Manhasset Senior Vice President Deirdre Costa Major said that stores like Louis Vuitton and Burberry will be "global stores." This means that when you shop in one of these stores in Americana Manhasset you will have the same selection you would find in Rome, Paris or London.

All of these shops will be open before Labor Day, according to Andrea Sanders, vice president and director of communications. To add to the festivities there will be nine separate parties at Americana Manhasset between August and November. These gala events have, in the past, served the local not-for-profit community well, as retailers have paired with charities, often donating part of their profits. A case in point is next week's Ralph Lauren "Putting Tournament," which will benefit the Manhasset branch of AHRC (Association for the Help of Retarded Children).

Local shoppers have for years now enjoyed the landscaping at Americana Manhasset.

At a recent breakfast held for Manhasset Chamber of Commerce's Adopt-a-Pole program, Mr. Castagna said that the first thing people mention to him about his center is the landscaping. He himself is to be seen early most mornings surveying his property and making sure its high standards are maintained. Store designer Peter Marino continues to oversee all construction at Americana Manhasset as he has for 20 years. Responsible for the landscaping, aside from Castagna himself, is the firm of Oehme, van Sweden & Associates. The landscaping is in a constant state of flux, changing displays with the seasons as the tulips and other bulbs of spring metamorphosize into the brighter colors of summer, then into the gold and purple of autumn and finally into brilliant holiday displays.

The opening of Section IV of Americana Manhasset is an exciting step, but knowing the owners, we predict it probably won't be the last.