What's the best ways to redevelopment malls? (Boston, Cambridge: amusement park, condos)

[robr2]

Originally Posted by Rickcin

It seems traditional Malls are being partially demolished and renovated/reconstructed into multi use areas with a few anchor stores, entertainment, gyms, open type Mall shops and stores and restaurants. These usually have a larger footprint and are more diverse and no longer under one roof. Perhaps they offer better flexibility for other businesses or shops to come and go.

I’m sure this concept will evolve into something different in another decade or so!

Yep - Live/Work/Play aka Mixed Use aka Lifestyle Center is what retailers and consumers want. People want to be able to leave their apartment and walk down the street to a coffee shop, restaurant, et al without having to get into their cars. In the case of the Hanover Mall, getting residential in there is needed to ensure the profitability of the retail component.

The Woburn Mall is in the process of redevelopment with the mall itself housing only 4 stores, 8 smaller retail buildings, and 400 units of housing. There will be more a streetscape atmosphere instead of than acres of parking surrounding one building. There is also the potential to reopen the Mishawum commuter rail station for the residents of the new apartments.

[redplum33]

Originally Posted by sawyer2

Have a look at what is underway for the old arsenal mall in Watertown - mix of living/shopping/entertainment/office space/restaurants-grocery store

i think this is the way forward.

https://www.arsenalyards.com/our-story/

It's like building a tiny city.

[rethcir]

Originally Posted by robr2

The Woburn Mall is in the process of redevelopment with the mall itself housing only 4 stores, 8 smaller retail buildings, and 400 units of housing. There will be more a streetscape atmosphere instead of than acres of parking surrounding one building. There is also the potential to reopen the Mishawum commuter rail station for the residents of the new apartments.

Wow, i totally forgot there was a crappy mall there.

Every developer wants to make the next Assembly Row, but there was generous local government assistance and guidance there.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by redplum33

It's like building a tiny city.

Or in the case of Assembly Row, an entire urban neighborhood: https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3951...7i13312!8i6656.

Mixed-use is going to be the way these things go. As far as redevelopment goes, adding hotel components and residential components will be vital. Taunton will get some residential component in the near future I'd wager. It's a short distance from the proposed commuter rail and it's at the intersection of two significant highways (24/140). It's also on the edge of Metro Boston and already has direct bus service to the city, so as prices rise, cities like Taunton become more appealing - especially for people who don't have to put kids in the school department. I would also imaging that there will be more satellite retail/dining around it.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by rethcir

Wow, i totally forgot there was a crappy mall there.

Every developer wants to make the next Assembly Row, but there was generous local government assistance and guidance there.

...and lots of available and under utilized land.

There was also talk of Somerville using eminent domain to take the Assembly Mall, La Quinta hotel, and all the property down to Sullivan Sq. on the north side of 93 including Home Depot, Circuit City and all the industrial property to redevelop into apartments and retail.

[Cape Cod Todd]

Originally Posted by mdovell

I wouldn't exactly call Hanover rich by any means. As for open air Colony place in plymouth fits that.

It's a weird back and forth.

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.

[redplum33]

Indoor malls don't have many entrances/exits. There are times where you may only want to go to one store and it's not anywhere near an entrance/exit. Many people won't bother as it's a hassle.

There's also the hangout factor - especially at food courts. Many indoor malls have become a magnet for gangs/undesirables.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by Cape Cod Todd

I heard the mall in Hanover is slated for demolition and a new open air strip mall will be built.

Wasn't the whole idea of a mall back in the day was to enclose a bunch of stores from the elements and have a little community under one roof where a visitor could shop, get a bite to eat and go to the movies?

I think ripping the roof off of malls is ridiculous especially in the Northeast. Who likes to dash from store to store while the wind is driving a cold rain or snow?



Hanover mall also wants to go upscale like the Derby Street open mall up the road which doesn't make sense because it will limit the customers. Hanover is a rich town but there are still plenty of people that are not so well off living and shopping in the area.



Affordable housing is something every town needs so maybe malls should build apartments above the stores and be sure to provide plenty of parking.

No one and I mean no one wants to go to an outdoor mall in Hanover from November-April. I’m in Maryland and don’t go to the few outdoor malls they have. I want a place where I can be warm and do all the stufff you mentioned. Hanover should have to add 40B housing there. An outdoor mall in Massachusetts where the mean temperature year round is 52 degrees is a non starter-unless it has amazing bargains like Wrentham Outlets.

[GeePee]

Legacy place is jammed packed every day.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by robr2

...and lots of available and under utilized land.

There was also talk of Somerville using eminent domain to take the Assembly Mall, La Quinta hotel, and all the property down to Sullivan Sq. on the north side of 93 including Home Depot, Circuit City and all the industrial property to redevelop into apartments and retail.

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