Natick Mall
{{short description|Shopping mall in Natick, Massachusetts, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Natick Mall
| logo = Natick Mall logo.svg
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| image = Natick Collection expansion 1.jpg
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Mall interior looking toward expansion wing (2007)
| coordinates = {{coord|42|18|2|N|71|23|3|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| former_names = Natick Collection (2007–2011)
| status = Open
| building_type = Shopping mall
| location = 1245 Worcester Road, Natick, Massachusetts, United States
| opened_date = {{start date and age|1966|4|27}}
| renovation_date = {{flat list|
- 1993–1994
- 2006–2009
}}
| owner = Brookfield Property Partners
| management = Brookfield Properties
| floor_count = 2
| floor_area = {{convert|1695884|sqft|m2}} of gross leasable area
| architect =
| architecture_firm =
| ren_architect = {{plain list|
- Arrowstreet, Inc. (1994–1996)
- Beyer Blinder Belle (2006–2009)
}}
| number_of_stores = 228
| number_of_anchors = 6 (2 vacant)
| public_transit = {{bus icon|12px|Local bus}} MWRTA: Routes 1, 4 and 11
| website = {{URL|natickmall.com}}
| references = {{Cite web|url=https://www.e-architect.com/america/natick-collection|title=Natick Collection - Massachusetts Mall, USA|date=December 11, 2007|website=e-architect|access-date=April 10, 2021|archive-date=April 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410161801/https://www.e-architect.com/america/natick-collection|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Natick Mall in Natick, MA |url=https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-properties/natick-mall-377.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=www.brookfieldproperties.com |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225014243/https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-properties/natick-mall-377.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/02/21/mall_reborn_as_natick_collection/ |title=Mall reborn as Natick Collection |last=Drake |first=John |date=February 21, 2007 |access-date=September 15, 2009 |work=The Boston Globe |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007174534/http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/02/21/mall_reborn_as_natick_collection/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1823407640|title=Natick mall streetscape gets final OK|last=Manuse|first=Andrew J.|date=November 9, 2009|work=The MetroWest Daily News|access-date=November 27, 2009|location=Framingham, MA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015021908/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1823407640|archive-date=October 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}
}}
The Natick Mall (previously named the Natick Collection) is a shopping mall in Natick, Massachusetts. The original facility was the first enclosed shopping mall in Greater Boston upon opening in 1966; it was demolished and replaced by a larger building in 1994 and expanded in 2007. The mall, with the adjacent Shopper's World power center in Framingham, are components of the Golden Triangle shopping district in the center of MetroWest, situated between Route 9 and Route 30. With {{convert|1695884|ft2|m2|0}} of gross leasable area, it is the largest shopping complex in New England. {{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}It is owned and managed by Brookfield Properties, a subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management.
The Natick Mall is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's and D.J Bosse. Two vacant anchor stores formerly housed Lord & Taylor and grocery store Wegmans. Previous anchors include Filene's, JCPenney, Jordan Marsh, Sears and Neiman Marcus.
History
= Opening of original mall =
The original Natick Mall was developed by businessmen William Lane, Stephen Mugar, and John Brennan. Construction began in 1965, connecting two stand-alone locations of Sears and Filene's (which had opened in March and August 1965, respectively), with a {{convert|600000|sqft|sqm|abbr=off|adj=on|sp=us}}, single-level shopping venue with 30 in-line stores. The project was one of the first enclosed malls in Greater Boston, and among the first built east of the Mississippi River. It was dedicated on April 27, 1966, with two smaller anchors on the north end of the mall, Woolworth's, Pray's Furniture, and a large fountain/entertainment area in front of Sears. Other charter tenants included Thom McAn, Baker Shoes, Ann Taylor, Parklane Hosiery, and a Hot Shoppes Cafeteria (later a York Steak House). Pray's Furniture was eventually replaced with a Boston Baby store in 1971, but after the closure of Boston Baby in 1979, the vacant space was redeveloped into an additional retail wing and a four-bay food court in 1980. The mall had gotten brand new tenants such as Orange Julius, Papa Gino's, The Gap, The Limited, Chess King, and a bunch more of new tenants.
By 1985, the mall had been acquired from the original owners by S.R. Weiner & Associates and William Finard, and, aside from the conversion of the former Boston Baby wing, the overall facility and retail mix had been virtually unchanged since opening in 1966. Weiner and Finard proposed an expansion of the mall, which would include the addition of a Lord & Taylor anchor as well as a second level of retail. However, not enough capital could be raised, and, coupled with lawsuits with Shopper's World owner Melvin Simon (who had made a controversial redevelopment proposal of that mall), the project was suspended indefinitely. Filene's proceeded with a renovation of its store in 1990 as part of the former expansion plans. This part was completed in 1991.
= 1992–1994 construction of replacement =
File:Jordan Marsh Framingham, MA.jpg
By the early 1990s, the outdated mall had caused many shoppers to go to other larger, more modern area malls. In 1992, the Homart Development Company purchased the Natick Mall and the adjacent Shopper's World in Framingham for redevelopment. Initial plans called for the Natick Mall to become a power center and Shopper's World an enclosed shopping mall; however, Filene's was unwilling to spend more capital on a new building at Shopper's World after remodeling their store in the mall, thus the plans were switched onto the opposite properties.
The original mall, except Filene's, was demolished in June 1993; its two-floor replacement, originally slated to open in August 1994, opened on October 12, 1994. The Filene's portion of the mall would be the only vestige of the original mall. When the mall opened it included previous anchor stores Filene's, Jordan Marsh, and a rebuilt Sears in addition to new anchor store Lord & Taylor.{{cite web|url=http://framinghamnatickretail.com/natickmall/index.html|title=From the Natick Mall (1966) to the Natick Mall (1994), Natick (2006), Natick Mall (2007), and Natick Collection (2007)|access-date=2013-02-08|archive-date=February 2, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202014131/http://framinghamnatickretail.com/natickmall/index.html|url-status=live}} Jordan Marsh was purchased by Federated Department Stores in 1994, and the nameplate was replaced by Macy's chain-wide in 1996.{{cite web|url=http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/19960326/News/303269963|title=Jordan Marsh stores change name to Macy's|last=Lorant|first=Richard|work=South Coast Today|date=March 26, 1996|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018043359/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/19960326/News/303269963|url-status=live}}
Macy's relocated from the Jordan Marsh space to the Filene's space in 2006 when Macy's merged with Filene's. J. C. Penney opened in the former Jordan Marsh/Macy's space on March 9, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20070304/NEWS/303049954|title=J.C. Penney opens at Natick Mall|first=Jennifer Lord/Daily News|last=staff|access-date=January 5, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106070333/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20070304/NEWS/303049954|url-status=live}}
= 2006–2009 renovation and expansion =
In late 2006, the mall began a renovation and expansion project. Its image was re-branded, first by attempting to change its name to simply Natick.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/west/2007/01/natick_mall_to.html |title=Natick Mall drops bid to be known simply as 'Natick' |last=Drake |first=John C. |date=2007-01-17 |work=The Boston Globe |access-date=2013-02-08 |archive-date=May 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523085220/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/west/2007/01/natick_mall_to.html |url-status=live }} After resistance from the town, the mall was instead renamed the Natick Collection. The first phase saw the renovation of the existing facility and the addition of a new wing on the property's north-east end, on the site of the former Wonder Bread/Hostess factory. The expansion added two new anchors, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, and nearly 100 new stores to the mall. This phase was opened to the public on September 7, 2007, though some stores planned to open through the winter and following spring. Construction of a Crate & Barrel, a relocated California Pizza Kitchen, and an American Girl Boutique and Bistro began in April 2008, with an original completion time frame of early spring 2009.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/05/american_girl_s.html |title=American Girl store is coming to Natick Collection |work=The Boston Globe |date=2008-05-12 |access-date=June 10, 2008 |archive-date=July 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726044156/http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/05/american_girl_s.html |url-status=live }} The southwest mall entrance was moved approximately {{convert|100|ft|m|abbr=on}}, placing it between Crate & Barrel and the California Pizza Kitchen, across from the northwest wing housing J. C. Penney. The new {{convert|30000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} Crate & Barrel facility replaced the original {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} store with a new one-level store (with two-story facade) that occupies parts of the original location.{{cite news |url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1823407640 |title=Natick mall streetscape gets final OK |last=Manuse |first=Andrew J. |date=2007-11-29 |work=The MetroWest Daily News |access-date=2009-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101015021908/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1823407640 |archive-date=October 15, 2010 |url-status=dead }} In October 2009, the second phase of the expansion, "The Promenade at Natick Collection", opened on the south-western section of the mall along Route 9; a Cheesecake Factory opened shortly after. The third phase, the construction of the condominiums, which originally had a projected completion of summer 2008, finished construction during spring 2009. The final phase is the proposed addition of a ten to twelve story luxury hotel adjacent to the new wing and across from J. C. Penney. Initial site work was completed in 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.wbjournal.com/news40618.html |title=Destination Shopping In Natick? |work=Worcester Business Journal |author=Eileen Kennedy |date=2008-04-28 |access-date=2008-12-31 |quote=For the Natick Collection, the proposed luxury hotel would be at least two years away [from April 2008] as plans must be presented to Natick town planners for their approval, and negotiations for the right hotel have to be concluded |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521152335/http://www.wbjournal.com/news40618.html |url-status=live }} With the addition and the new eight-story parking facility, the Natick Collection became the twenty-third largest mall in the country, fourth largest on the east coast, and the largest in New England.{{cite web|title=Collection goes back to being named Natick Mall|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/newsnow/x327790591/Collection-goes-back-to-being-named-Natick-Mall|work=The MetroWest Daily News|access-date=July 15, 2011|date=July 15, 2011|archive-date=March 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325083222/http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/newsnow/x327790591/Collection-goes-back-to-being-named-Natick-Mall|url-status=live}}
The Great Recession negatively affected mall expansion. By December 2008, condominium sales in Nouvelle at Natick were behind projections, with only 34 of the 215 units sold or under contract. Real estate agents in the Metrowest area stated that the prices of the units, ranging from $379,900 to over $1 million, combined with the timing of the opening of the facility have harmed sales. Several real estate agencies stated that the developer would have had to lower its prices for the units to attract consumers. Additionally, home sales in the Natick and Framingham area are traditionally oriented towards single family homes.{{cite news|url=http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2008/11/24/story6.html|title=Natick Collection condos buffeted by bad timing|last=Hillman|first=Michelle|date=2008-11-21|work=Boston Business Journal|access-date=2009-07-14|archive-date=September 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914094941/http://boston.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2008/11/24/story6.html|url-status=live}} On September 10, 2009, The Boston Globe reported that Nouvelle at Natick would auction off 42 of the 215 units, with bids starting as low as $160,000.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/09/10/developer_resorts_to_auction_for_natick_luxury_condos/ |title=Developer resorts to auction for Natick luxury condos |author=Jenn Ableson |date=2009-09-10 |work=The Boston Globe |access-date=2009-09-18 |archive-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918143019/http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/09/10/developer_resorts_to_auction_for_natick_luxury_condos/ |url-status=live }}
= 2010s =
In July 2011, the Natick Collection reverted to its original name, the Natick Mall, citing local tradition.
In 2015, It was announced Wegmans would be replacing JCPenney.{{cite web|url=http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150612/NEWS/150618234|title=JCPenney to leave Natick Mall in August|last=Ameden|first=Danielle|newspaper=MetroWest Daily News|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-date=November 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126113823/https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150612/NEWS/150618234|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wegmans.com/news-media/press-releases/2015/wegmans-announces-plans-for-store-at-natick-mall-in-massachusett.html|title=Wegmans Announces Plans for Store at Natick Mall in Massachusetts|publisher=Wegmans|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082606/https://www.wegmans.com/news-media/press-releases/2015/wegmans-announces-plans-for-store-at-natick-mall-in-massachusett.html|url-status=live}} This was discussed by analysts as following suit with the "emerging trend" of nontraditional anchors in order to "emphasize experiences and fun over shopping".{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-malls-groceries-survival-20170310-story.html|title=Malls look to grocery stores as a 'survival tactic'|last=Heath|first=Thomas|work=The Morning Call|date=March 13, 2017|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113075815/https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-malls-groceries-survival-20170310-story.html|url-status=live}} Construction began in 2016 and the store was opened on April 29, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/new-wegmans-at-natick-mall-opening-sunday-features-full-service-restaurant/20083688|title=New Wegmans at Natick Mall opening Sunday features full-service restaurant|publisher=WCVB|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=October 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018082559/https://www.wcvb.com/article/new-wegmans-at-natick-mall-opening-sunday-features-full-service-restaurant/20083688|url-status=live}} It is the first Wegmans to have multiple levels, entrances within a shopping center, and a full-service restaurant.
E-commerce retailer Wayfair opened its first brick-and-mortar store, a pop-up for the holiday season, from November 10, 2018, through January 2, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20181110/wayfair-opens-pop-up-shop-at-natick-mall|title=Wayfair opens pop-up shop at Natick Mall|last=Phelps|first=Jonathan|newspaper=MetroWest Daily News|date=November 10, 2018|access-date=January 14, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075825/https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20181110/wayfair-opens-pop-up-shop-at-natick-mall|url-status=live}}
In January 2018, it was announced that Dave & Buster's would replace half of the second floor of the former Sears. In October 15, it was announced that Sears would close as a part of closure of 142 unprofitable stores. In January 2019, Sears would permanently close. Dave & Buster's opened in the second floor of Sears on June 24, 2019.
= 2020s =
On June 23, 2020, Level99 announced its plans to open a location around June 2021. Level99 plans to create an entertainment complex with over 48,000 square feet and including 92-seat taproom, a 140-seat beer hall with counter service and communal tables, an executive dining room, and a function room. There will be over 40 gaming opportunities. Each gaming experience will be categorized by their design elements, such as Aztec Temple, Space Void, Apocalypse, Pirates, Magician, Rainforest and Mansion. There will be seven different arenas for player-versus-player, in addition to an immersive art scavenger hunt installed by several Boston artists. Upon arrival each player will choose a gamer name and receive a wristband to track progress and collect bonuses. CEO Matt DuPlessie, who previously founded 5 Wits, spent five years developing this franchise. Its financial backers include the founder of Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain.{{Cite web |url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/business/2021/05/03/level-99-interactive-gaming-concept-opening-next-month-natick-mall/4923698001/ |title=Level 99, an interactive gaming concept, is opening next month at the Natick Mall |access-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704005427/https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/business/2021/05/03/level-99-interactive-gaming-concept-opening-next-month-natick-mall/4923698001/ |url-status=live }}
The 2020s saw several traditional department store retailers update their brick-and-mortar retail divisions after being disrupted by digital retailers.
On August 27, 2020, Lord & Taylor announced they would be retiring their traditional brick-and-mortar division after modernizing into a single digital collective outpost. This structure is set to be completely rebuilt, creating a vibrant "city within a city" like atmosphere.{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Lauren |title=What's happening at Natick Lord & Taylor space? Co-work concept has been pitched |url=https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/business/2021/09/04/lord-taylor-space-natick-mall-eyed-co-working-space/5484824001/ |access-date=March 8, 2022 |work=MetroWest Daily News |date=September 4, 2021 |location=Natick, Connecticut |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308014028/https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/business/2021/09/04/lord-taylor-space-natick-mall-eyed-co-working-space/5484824001/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://framinghamsource.com/index.php/2020/08/04/lord-retailer-closing-19-locations-nationwide-as-parent-company-files-bankruptcy/|title=Lord & Taylor Closing at Natick Mall; Retailer Closing 19 Locations Nationwide As Parent Company Files Bankruptcy|date=August 4, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927084620/https://framinghamsource.com/index.php/2020/08/04/lord-retailer-closing-19-locations-nationwide-as-parent-company-files-bankruptcy/|url-status=live}}
On September 20, 2020, Neiman Marcus announced plans to shutter their location in Natick Mall. Closure was expected to take place in September 2022.
In 2021, it was announced that Shopper's Find will replace Lord and Taylor.{{Cite news |title=Shopper's Find Store Replaces Lord & Taylor At Natick Mall |url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick/shoppers-find-store-replaces-lord-taylor-natick-mall}}
On January 9, 2022, it was reported that Brookfield, the mall owner and developer, has partnered with real estate developer Bulfinch Companies to acquire the original Neiman Marcus location for around $12.6 million. On May 16, 2022, it was reported that Bulfinch has proposed a development that will include additional office, medical, and lab space. The structure will receive a third floor, which will be set back to allow space for terraces and a green roof. The new three-floor 135,000-square-foot structure which will include a penthouse, lobby, and terraces.{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2020/09/02/neiman-marcus-natick-closing/|title=Neiman Marcus announces closure of Natick location|date=2020-09-02|work=boston.com|access-date=January 1, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308012114/https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2020/09/02/neiman-marcus-natick-closing/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.wbjournal.com/article/lab-space-and-41k-sq-ft-expansion-planned-for-former-neiman-marcus-unit-at-natick-mall |title=Lab space and 41K-sq.-ft. Expansion planned for former Neiman Marcus unit at Natick Mall | Worcester Business Journal |access-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517180312/https://www.wbjournal.com/article/lab-space-and-41k-sq-ft-expansion-planned-for-former-neiman-marcus-unit-at-natick-mall |url-status=live }}
On October 11, 2023, it was reported that Bulfinch was planning to work with D.J. Bosse, a local fitness center operator, to build a pickleball club. {{cite web | url=https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2023/10/11/coming-soon-to-natick-mall-a-pickleball-club/ | title=Coming soon to Natick Mall: A pickleball club }}
On January 12, 2022, Luxury electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors announced plans to open by September, 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.natickreport.com/2022/01/lucid-motors-targets-september-for-natick-mall-luxury-electric-vehicle-sales-service-shop/|title=Lucid Motors targets September for Natick Mall luxury electric vehicle sales & service shop|work=Natick Report|date=2022-01-12|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114150953/https://www.natickreport.com/2022/01/lucid-motors-targets-september-for-natick-mall-luxury-electric-vehicle-sales-service-shop/|url-status=live}}
In November 2022, Shopper's Find shuttered it's Natick location in the mall as well as it's other 2 locations.{{Cite news |title=Shopper’s Find Shutters Its Three Stores in Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts |url=https://www.costar.com/article/116699649/shoppers-find-shutters-its-three-stores-in-illinois-new-jersey-and-massachusetts}}
On December 11, 2022 Puttshack announced plans to open a two-level 22,000-square-foot location by the end of 2023. Puttshack is set to feature three nine-hole courses.{{Cite web |url=https://chainstoreage.com/tech-driven-mini-golfdining-concept-continues-expansion-open-natick-mall |title=Tech-driven mini-golf/Dining concept continues expansion; to open at Natick Mall | Chain Store Age |date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318063733/https://chainstoreage.com/tech-driven-mini-golfdining-concept-continues-expansion-open-natick-mall |url-status=live }}
Wegmans closed permanently on July 22, 2023, leaving Nordstrom and Macy's as the only traditional anchors left. {{Cite web|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/wegmans-natick-massachusetts-store-closing/44068051|title=Wegmans to close its non-traditional mall grocery store at Natick Mall|date=June 1, 2023|access-date=June 1, 2023|website=WCVB|language=en}} In December 2024, D.J Bosse, a sports lounge, would open in the former Neiman Marcus department store. https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/picture-gallery/news/2024/12/10/bosse-pickleball-experience-opens-at-natick-mall-with-21-courts/76890042007/
List of anchor stores
class="wikitable sortable"
! Name ! {{abbr|No.|Number}} of floors ! Year opened ! Year closed ! class="unsortable" | Notes | ||||
Dave & Buster's
| 1 | 2019 | {{N/A}} | Replaced half of the second level of Sears | ||||
Filene's
| 2 | 1965 | 2006 | Became the second Macy's | ||||
JCPenney
| 3 | 2007 | 2015 | Replaced the first Macy's | ||||
Jordan Marsh
| 3 | 1994 | 1996 | Replaced by the first Macy's | ||||
Level99
| 1 | 2021 | {{N/A}} | Replaced half of the second level of Sears | ||||
Lord & Taylor
| 2 | 1994 | 2021 | ||||
Lucid Motors
| 1 | 2022 | {{N/A}} | Replaced half of the first level of Sears | ||||
rowspan="2" | Macy's
| 3 | 1996 | 2006 | Replaced Jordan Marsh | ||||
2
| 2006 | {{N/A}} | Replaced Filene's | ||||
Neiman Marcus
| 2 | 2007 | 2022 | Replaced by D.J Bosse | ||||
Nordstrom
| 2 | 2007 | {{N/A}} | | ||||
Sears
| 2 | 1965 | 2019 | Replaced by Dave & Buster's, Level99 and Lucid Motors | | ||||
Wegmans
| 2 | 2018 | 2023 | Replaced JCPenney | ||||
D.J Bosse | 2 | 2024 | {{N/A}} | Replaced Neiman Marcus |
Shopper's Find
|2 |2021 |Replaced Lord and Taylor |+ |
Architecture
Following a two-level, generally T-shaped floor plan, the Natick Mall spans {{convert|1860000|ft2|m2}}. With its late-2000s expansion, it makes use of natural lighting with the intention of providing an open atmosphere. Its curved ceiling was inspired by the name Natick, meaning "place of rolling hills" in the Massachusett language. Much of the mall's design incorporates the leaves of the birch tree.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourlife/articles/2007/05/24/extreme_makeover_mall_edition/?page=full |title=Extreme makeover: mall edition! |last=Muther |first=Christopher |date=February 21, 2007 |access-date=February 9, 2013 |work=The Boston Globe |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305002634/http://www.boston.com/yourlife/articles/2007/05/24/extreme_makeover_mall_edition/?page=full |url-status=live }} The expansion provided an underground parking garage in addition to its three existing structures.{{cite news |url=http://www.beyerblinderbelle.com/?ID=211 |title=Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP |access-date=February 9, 2013 |work=Beyer Blinder Belle |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030031/http://www.beyerblinderbelle.com/?ID=211 |url-status=live }} The lower level incorporates porcelain tile flooring, while the upper level uses engineered hardwood flooring; the design utilizes glass fixtures throughout.{{cite news |url=http://www.architectmagazine.com/projects/view/the-natick-collection/779/ |title=The Natick Collection – Architect Magazine |access-date=February 9, 2013 |work=Beyer Blinder Belle |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109011803/http://www.architectmagazine.com/projects/view/the-natick-collection/779/ |url-status=live }} The exterior of the Neiman Marcus location is covered by {{convert|80|ft|m|adj=on}} curved stainless steel panels colored in various shades of brown; it is intended to resemble a woman's dress.{{cite news |url=http://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/5942.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130407212233/http://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/5942.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |title=An Undulating Façade for Neiman Marcus |last=Newman |first=Morris |date=April 1, 2008 |access-date=February 9, 2013 |work=Buildings.com }}
Ownership
Homart Development Corporation (then a division of Sears) was acquired by General Growth Properties (GGP) in December 1995, at which time the Natick Mall was valued at $265 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/27/business/sears-completes-sale-of-its-homart-unit.html|title=Sears Completes Sale of Its Homart Unit|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 27, 1995|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629161221/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/27/business/sears-completes-sale-of-its-homart-unit.html|url-status=live}} GGP itself was later acquired by Brookfield Property Partners,{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-27/brookfield-s-deal-for-ggp-panned-as-underpriced-bad-for-malls|title=Brookfield's $15 Billion Deal for GGP Is Bad News for the American Mall|last1=Mulholland|first1=Sarah|last2=Deveau|first2=Scott|work=Bloomberg|date=March 27, 2018|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116001129/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-27/brookfield-s-deal-for-ggp-panned-as-underpriced-bad-for-malls|url-status=live}} and management was transferred to the Brookfield Properties subsidiary in August 2018.{{cite web|url=https://bpy.brookfield.com/en/press-releases/2018/08-28-2018-140439679|title=Brookfield Property Partners L.P. Completes Acquisition of GGP Inc.|publisher=Brookfield Property Partners|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=November 15, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320123603/https://bpy.brookfield.com/404|url-status=live}}
Reception
MassLive ranked the Natick Mall first-place on their list of 40 shopping malls in Massachusetts in December 2018, citing its "balanced combination of high-end stores and typical mall fare."{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/12/55aef1b10c4751/40-massachusetts-malls-and-sho.html|title=40 Massachusetts malls and shopping centers ranked from the worst to the best|last=LaFratta|first=Kristin|publisher=MassLive|date=December 19, 2018|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010924/https://www.masslive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/12/55aef1b10c4751/40-massachusetts-malls-and-sho.html|url-status=live}}
See also
- Shopper's World – Power center adjacent to the mall
- Golden Triangle – District in which the mall is as located
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{official website|natickmall.com}}
{{Shopping malls in Massachusetts}}
{{Brookfield Properties}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Natick Mall}}
Category:Buildings and structures in Natick, Massachusetts
Category:Brookfield Properties
Category:Shopping malls established in 1965
Category:Shopping malls in Massachusetts
Category:Tourist attractions in Middlesex County, Massachusetts