What's the best ways to redevelopment malls? (Boston, Taunton: sales, hotel)

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

I made an exception for Wrentham outlets. It only works because of their amazing bargains. Patriot Place is also a movie Theater and a whole football stadium of the countries most successful sports club. Unless Hanover is bringing outlet prices and or the draw of the New England Patriots I don't see any other working examples in MA. And I don't like PatriotPLace or Wrentham because theyre out of the way and I get cold easily.

They don't actually have amazing bargains. Some of the stores are not outlet stores at all, but regular stores. Others, that are outlet stores don't sell the same stuff available at the regular stores, but sell a lower quality line of items that are manufactured specifically for the outlet stores. They're not necessarily a rip-off, but they're not a real bargain, either. They're worth about what you pay for them.

There are some things that are a good price and you can sometimes get some good deals. But very few truly "amazing bargains."

[robr2]

Originally Posted by Cape Cod Todd

Yes Colony Place is open and boy does the wind get whipping through there on a cold night.

I would rather park safely and walk store to store then hop in my truck to go store to store.
No wonder why the average waistline is expanding.

Another thought on the open air concept, most closed malls take advantage of the space by renting out kiosk areas between the stores. Kiosks are impossible in a year round open air setting.

There is a weird back and forth when it comes to malls. I remember the days where Hanover had a handful of anchor eateries that went out of business when the mall built a food court. Food courts were the fad but now they seem to be going away. I haven't been to Hanover mall since last year but I think the old food court was turned into a Old Navy.

I wonder if in 25 years the open air malls return to being closed structures?

I think the malls could take design plans from casinos in Vegas that have restaurants and shops in settings that appear they are outdoors complete with lighting to make a sky scene.

But what is being proposed at the Hanover Mall is nothing like Colony Place. Hanover will be mixed use with housing, retail, entertainment, dining. It's more like Lynnfield Marketplace, Assembly Row, or Third Ave in Burlington.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

That’s ridiculous. Not a horrible idea, but thats borderline strong arming-you’re talking about legitimate businesses and land use.

Per SCOTUS, taking of land via eminent domain from one landowner for the benefit of another to further economic activity that is beneficial to the community as a whole is legal:

Kelo vs. City of New London, CT.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

[/b]
I know Cambridgeside had an issue with shoplifting years back-they did a slight rebranding. I do know South Shore has had one or two shootings in the past decade (but I don’t think they were in the food court). And those are very valid complaints. But I would not label them gang hangouts, like it’s some back alley or some desolate Brockton park after dusk- I’ve never been scared or uncomfortable in south shore. I don’t see police or even mall security. I’ve never seen or heard anything ‘go down’ in either mall. It’s just a more urban clientele really. That being said- I still see plenty white bread families and teeny boppers. I think a food court is actually a signal of a successful mall. To me it’s the dingy small ones or weird faux malls that lack food courts.

Malls with notable gang presence are Providence Place (now struggling I guess) and the Silver City Galleria. Of course there are many other reasons for the latter's failure, but I think that was a factor.


Back in the day anyway, Copley Place was a spot for it. Inside the mall had very tight security, but on some of the surrounding walkways, etc. (particularly between there and Back Bay Station) was a magnet for brawls, stabbings, etc. due to the location's "neutrality" and having kids from all different high schools, etc. converge. What a contrast it was, such a fancy mall but with that element lurking around. I wonder how it is today.

I do think it's exaggerated with the SSM, never did encounter any of that there.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by massnative71

I do think it's exaggerated with the SSM, never did encounter any of that there.

I always liked the mall in Braintree, but there's definitely gang activity there during the past decade or so.

Let me tell you a mall to avoid. The mall in Waterbury, CT. Seriously.

[rethcir]

I think eminent domain was on the table for Assembly if either the Revs stadium or the Ikea got built there instead of the current development.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by rethcir

I think eminent domain was on the table for Assembly if either the Revs stadium or the Ikea got built there instead of the current development.

IIRC, the land that IKEA owned and where Partners now sits was taken by eminent domain years starting in the 1990's. A friend was the CFO for a company that was bought out and negotiated for the company. When it was apparent that Somerville and Federal Realty really didn't want a big box store, IKEA sold it to FR.

[robr2]

Back from the dead - the new development at the Hanover Mall has Market Basket replacing Wal-Mart. You now longer have to drive to Plymouth for the MB experience.

[yesmaybe]

Grocery is good idea. So is Housing.

[tysmith95]

I really wish there was a NH Ikea.