Springfield Town Center Coming Soon! (With Updates and Edits)

****Note, the following blog post has been modified to reflect the updated status of this project****

Hi Everyone!

I just attended a meeting at the Springfield Golf and Country Club about the update on Springfield Town Center.

For those of you that don't know about it, Springfield Town Center is a proposed development project that will totally revitalize the Springfield Mall. The company Vornado purchased the Springfield mall a couple of years ago. Since then, they have been busy getting approvals from the County Boards and the like to go forward with the project. It looks as if the first approvals will start happening in the fall/winter of 2008, with construction beginning sometime in 2009-2010.

Included in the plans are several mixed-use sections along the -acre site. The plans focus on turning the mall outward through the use of clever architectural features, lots of glass and natural light. The "anchor" stores, JC Penney, Macy's and Target will remain part of the development.

There are plans to add a "Village Drive" that will retail and food establishments, cafe seating, and pedestrian walkways. The design will allow the area to be closed off for concerts, farmer's markets, and other special events.

There will be areas of greenery as well, including a possible dog park and several other areas that may be opened to the public. There are also proposed plans for a "green" garage roof, complete with tiered landscaping, tennis courts, and a park, all surrounded by adjacent residential units.

These plans come at a time when revitilization of this area is badly needed. The mall's movie theaters have been closed and 50% of the retail space is vacant. There has been reported gang activity and some isolated violent incidents as well.

The developers hope to make Springfield Mall a place that people want to come to and stay. The proximity of Metro provides ample opportunity for patrons from across the metro area to enjoy the new restaurants and shops.

The website for the new development is www.springfieldtowncenter.com. It is now live.

Of course you can always check back here for updates. In addition, I will be happy to help anyone who is interested in purchasing a residential unit in the development.

UPDATE: 8-18-08. I have been told that the structure currently being built next to the Bridge in Springfield is a new Marriot Hotel! While this is not part of the Vornado/Springfield Mall project, it does bode well for the revitalization of the area, probably in part, thanks to BRAC.

UPDATE: 9-22-08. The www.springfieldtowncenter.com site has officially been launched!

UPDATE: 7-2010. Vornado is in default of the loan.

UPDATE: 12-3-2010. Cityblitz reports that loan Vornado secured has been placed with a special servicer due to imminent default.

UPDATE 3-17-2010. Vornado receives Notice of Default from servicer.

UPDATE 11-30-2010. Washington Post reports on the Mall as being "At a Crossroads".

UPDATE 2/12/2011. See blog at http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/write/2132733.