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|caption = The Grand Court of Stamford Town Center in 2006.
|caption = The Grand Court of Stamford Town Center in 2006.
| location = [[Stamford, Connecticut]]
| location = [[Stamford, Connecticut]]
| opening_date = 1982
| opening_date = June 17, 1982
| developer = [[History of Stamford, Connecticut#Downtown development|F.D. Rich Co.]]<br>[[Taubman Centers]]
| developer = [[History of Stamford, Connecticut#Downtown development|F.D. Rich Co.]]<br>[[Taubman Centers]]
| owner = Stamford Town Center LLC
| owner = Stamford Town Center LLC
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| website = [https://www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com/ shopstamfordtowncenter.com]
| website = [https://www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com/ shopstamfordtowncenter.com]
}}
}}
'''Stamford Town Center''' is an urban [[shopping mall]] located in [[Downtown Stamford|Downtown Stamford, Connecticut]]. The {{Convert|761000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} mall is the eighth largest in Connecticut, with space for about 130 stores and restaurants.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} The mall's two anchors are a {{Convert|250000|ft2|m2|adj=on}}{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} [[Macy's]] and a [[Barnes & Noble|Barnes and Noble]]. An {{Convert|80000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} [[Todd English]] Food Hall is scheduled to open by 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Schott|first=Paul|date=2021-09-28|title=Saks Off 5th to close at Stamford Town Center, Michael Kors confirms exit|url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Saks-Off-5th-to-close-at-Stamford-Town-Center-16494302.php|access-date=2022-01-09|website=[[Stamford Advocate]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Stamford Town Center''' is an urban [[shopping mall]] located in [[Downtown Stamford|Downtown Stamford, Connecticut]]. The {{Convert|761000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} mall is the eighth largest in Connecticut, with space for about 130 stores and restaurants.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} The mall's three anchors are a {{Convert|250000|ft2|m2|adj=on}}{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} [[Macy's]], [[Barnes & Noble|Barnes and Noble]], and [https://pickleballamerica.us/ Pickleball America] that opened in the nearly 80,000-square-foot (7,432 m<sup>2</sup>) anchor space previously occupied by Saks OFF 5th in September of 2023.


==History==
==History==
=== Construction ===
=== Construction ===
Built by [[History of Stamford, Connecticut#Downtown development|F.D. Rich Co]] and [[Taubman Centers]],<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Barmash |first1=Isadore |title=SHOPPING CENTER PLANS OPENING MINUS 132 STORES |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/14/nyregion/shopping-center-plans-opening-minus-132-stores.html |access-date=21 April 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=14 February 1982}}</ref> Stamford Town Center opened in 1982 as part of an [[urban renewal]] project<ref name=":1" /> and had been the location of [[tenement]] structures that once lined Greyrock Place,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Bascom|first=Lionel C.|date=1988-05-08|title=CONNECTICUT OPINION; A Town Sells Off Pieces of Its Soul|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/08/nyregion/connecticut-opinion-a-town-sells-off-pieces-of-its-soul.html|access-date=2022-01-13|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the street which is its primary address.
Built by [[History of Stamford, Connecticut#Downtown development|F.D. Rich Co]] and [[Taubman Centers]],<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Barmash |first1=Isadore |title=SHOPPING CENTER PLANS OPENING MINUS 132 STORES |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/14/nyregion/shopping-center-plans-opening-minus-132-stores.html |access-date=21 April 2021 |work=The New York Times |date=14 February 1982}}</ref> Stamford Town Center opened on June 17, 1982 as part of an [[urban renewal]] project<ref name=":1" /> and had been the location of [[tenement]] structures that once lined Greyrock Place,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Bascom|first=Lionel C.|date=1988-05-08|title=CONNECTICUT OPINION; A Town Sells Off Pieces of Its Soul|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/08/nyregion/connecticut-opinion-a-town-sells-off-pieces-of-its-soul.html|access-date=2022-01-13|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the street which is its primary address.


The mall was a significant part of Stamford's urban renewal efforts, and thus its construction was not without controversy. Upon the mall's opening, the city of [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]] reoriented nearby Bedford Street and Summer Street to be one-way, in order to make the mall more accessible via car, a move which harmed surrounding businesses.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=|date=2019-11-19|title=Future of Stamford Town Center Discussed at City Planning Board|url=https://greenwichfreepress.com/news/business/future-of-stamford-town-center-discussed-at-city-planning-board-131889/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Greenwich Free Press|language=en-US}}</ref> An opinion piece in the [[The New York Times|New York Times]] lamented the destruction of once lively housing complexes which hosted lower-income residences, which was done to make way for the mall.<ref name=":2" />
The mall was a significant part of Stamford's urban renewal efforts, and thus its construction was not without controversy. Upon the mall's opening, the city of [[Stamford, Connecticut|Stamford]] reoriented nearby Bedford Street and Summer Street to be one-way, in order to make the mall more accessible via car, a move which harmed surrounding businesses.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=|date=2019-11-19|title=Future of Stamford Town Center Discussed at City Planning Board|url=https://greenwichfreepress.com/news/business/future-of-stamford-town-center-discussed-at-city-planning-board-131889/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=Greenwich Free Press|language=en-US}}</ref> An opinion piece in the [[The New York Times|New York Times]] lamented the destruction of once lively housing complexes which hosted lower-income residences, which was done to make way for the mall.<ref name=":2" />
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The initial opening of the Plaza (which included Barnes & Noble, H&M, California Pizza Kitchen, Così, Kona Grill, and P.F. Chang's) occurred on November 1, 2007. Mitchell's Fish Market opened on December 8, 2007, while the Capital Grille opened on February 25, 2008. [[Famous Dave's|Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que]] had planned to open in this new space, but pulled out of the project.<ref>{{cite web|first=Amanda|last=Pinto|url=https://www.thehour.com/stamford/article/Food-court-and-play-area-to-debut-in-mall-8285964.php|title=Food court and play area to debut in mall|website=The Hour|date=2 April 2017}}</ref> Plan B Burger Bar opened on August 4, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://heystamford.com/2012/08/03/plan-b-burger-opens-in-stamford/|title=Plan B Burger Bar opens in Stamford|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Hey Stamford!|language=en}}</ref>
The initial opening of the Plaza (which included Barnes & Noble, H&M, California Pizza Kitchen, Così, Kona Grill, and P.F. Chang's) occurred on November 1, 2007. Mitchell's Fish Market opened on December 8, 2007, while the Capital Grille opened on February 25, 2008. [[Famous Dave's|Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que]] had planned to open in this new space, but pulled out of the project.<ref>{{cite web|first=Amanda|last=Pinto|url=https://www.thehour.com/stamford/article/Food-court-and-play-area-to-debut-in-mall-8285964.php|title=Food court and play area to debut in mall|website=The Hour|date=2 April 2017}}</ref> Plan B Burger Bar opened on August 4, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://heystamford.com/2012/08/03/plan-b-burger-opens-in-stamford/|title=Plan B Burger Bar opens in Stamford|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Hey Stamford!|language=en}}</ref>


=== Decline ===
=== Change in ownership ===
On February 15, 2013, it was announced that Saks Fifth Avenue would be closing by early 2014, which left Macy’s as the only anchor left.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130215005016/en/Saks-Incorporated-to-Close-Its-Saks-Fifth-Avenue-Store-in-Stamford-Connecticut|title=Saks Incorporated to close its store in Stamford|date=February 15, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Business Wire|language=en}}</ref>

On March 10, 2014, Mitchell’s Fish Market closed.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/mitchell-s-fish-market-closes-at-stamford-town-5304782.php|title=Mitchell's Fish Market closes at Stamford Town Center|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamfod Advocate|language=en}}</ref>

On January 14, 2015, it was announced that Saks OFF 5TH would replace the former Saks Fifth Avenue and open by June 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150114005133/en/Saks-Fifth-Avenue-OFF-5TH-to-Open-Store-in-Stamford-CT|title= Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH to Open Store in Stamford, CT|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Business Wire|language=en}}</ref>

On April 21, 2016, P.F. Chang’s closed, and was later announced that [[The Cheesecake Factory]] would replace the space. The Cheesecake Factory opened on October 18, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/P-F-Chang-s-closes-in-Stamford-replacement-7287915.php|title=P.F. Chang's closes in Stamford|date=April 21, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamford Advocate|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://investors.thecheesecakefactory.com/news-and-events/news-releases/news-release-details/2016/The-Cheesecake-Factory-Opens-in-Greensboro-NC-and-Stamford-Conn/default.aspx|title=The Cheesecake Factory opens in Stamford|date=October 18, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=The Cheeesecake Factory|language=en}}</ref>

On October 12, 2016, Cosi closed their space after filing for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] in September 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Cosi-shuts-doors-in-Stamford-Greenwich-9967255.php|title=Cosi shuts doors in Stamford, Greenwich|date=October 12, 2016|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamford Advocate|language=en}}</ref>

On August 10, 2017, Rascal Flatts opened in the former Mitchell’s Fish Market space.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://heystamford.com/2017/08/10/rascal-flatts-opens-restaurant-stamford-town-center/|title=Rascal Flatts opens restaurant at Stamford Town Center|date=August 10, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Hey Stamford!|language=en}}</ref>

On November 17, 2017, Pieology opened in the former Cosi space.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://heystamford.com/2017/11/15/pieology-pizzeria-expands-stamford-connecticut-complimentary-pizza/|title=Pieology Pizzeria expands into Stamford|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Hey Stamford!|language=en}}</ref>

On January 12, 2018, California Pizza Kitchen closed.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Pizza-chain-to-close-Stamford-outlet-12495263.php|title=Pizza chain to close Stamford outlet|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamford Advocate|language=en}}</ref>

On September 2, 2018, Peter Chang opened in the former California Pizza Kitchen space.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Peter-Chang-brings-latest-restaurant-arrival-to-13266521.php|title=Peter Chang brings latest restaurant arrival to Stamford Town Center|date=September 28, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamford Advocate|language=en}}</ref>

On April 17, 2019, Kona Grill, the last remaining original restaurant tenant at The Plaza, filed for [[Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] and closed their location at the mall. This left the mall without any of its original restaurant tenants at The Plaza.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/embattled-restaurant-chain-closes-site-stamford-town-center|title=Embattled restaurant chain closes site at Stamford Town Center|date=April 17, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Patch|language=en}}</ref>

=== Further decline and attempted comeback ===
During the course of 2019, 2020 and 2021, many stores closed, either due to companies filing for bankruptcy, the COVID-19 pandemic or relocation to the nearby [[The SoNo Collection|SoNo Collection]] mall. These
include [[Gap Inc.|Gap]], [[Ann Inc.|LOFT]], [[Godiva Chocolatier|Godiva]], Go!, [[GameStop]], [[American Eagle Outfitters]], [[Abercrombie & Fitch]], [[GNC (company)|GNC]], [[The Cheesecake Factory]], [[Justice (store)|Justice]], [[Brooks Brothers]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], [[C. & J. Clark|Clarks]], [[H&M]], [[UNIQLO]], [[Boost Mobile (United States)|Boost Mobile]], [[Papyrus (company)|Papyrus]], [[Chico's FAS|Chico's]], [[Pandora (jewelry)|Pandora]], [[Pottery Barn]], [[Williams-Sonoma]], [[Gymboree]], [[Ann Inc.|Ann Taylor]], [[J.Crew]], and [[Armani|Armani Exchange]].<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/slideshow/Stores-that-have-left-Stamford-Town-Center-204906.php|title=Stores that have left Stamford Town Center since 2019|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Stamford Advocate|language=en}}</ref>

On October 23, 2020, Taubman sold the mall to furniture chain Safevieh.<ref>>{{Cite web|url= https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/taubman-centers-sells-760-ksf-connecticut-mall/|title=Taubman Centers sells 760 KSF Connecticut mall|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Commercial Search|language=en}}</ref>
On October 23, 2020, Taubman sold the mall to furniture chain Safevieh.<ref>>{{Cite web|url= https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/taubman-centers-sells-760-ksf-connecticut-mall/|title=Taubman Centers sells 760 KSF Connecticut mall|date=October 23, 2020|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Commercial Search|language=en}}</ref>

On December 9, 2021, it was announced that Saks OFF 5TH would be closing by December 18, 2021. This once again left Macy’s as the only anchor left.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.ctpost.com/business/article/Saks-Off-5th-to-close-at-Stamford-mall-before-16687529.php?ipid=amp-related-link|title=Saks Off 5th to close at Stamford mall before Christmas|date=December 9, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Connecticut Post|language=en}}</ref> However, Saks Off 5th later returned to Stamford in the former Lord & Taylor spot in October 2022, almost a year after closing their Stamford Town Center store.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/saks-off-fifth-stamford-ct-open-17529967.php|title=Why Saks Off 5th decided to return to Stamford|date=October 24, 2022|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=CT Insider|language=en}}</ref>

With all of these closings, multiple businesses that were apart from retail opened in many of these old spaces, in an effort to transform the mall. Some of these new tenants include a dance center in the former Ann Taylor, a fitness gym in the former Apple Store, a Fun Palace play center in the former Foot Locker, and a 30,000 square foot multi-purpose hub called The Living Room in the former UNIQLO and Gap spaces, which is set to have a lounge, cafe, gaming spaces, and a theater.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/We-are-transforming-To-fill-vacancies-17030447.php|title= 'We are transforming': To fill vacancies, Stamford Town Center turns to non-retailers to spur revival|date=March 26, 2022|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=CT Insider|language=en}}</ref>

On January 9, 2022, it was confirmed that an {{Convert|80000|ft2|m2}} [[Todd English]] Food Hall would be coming to the mall, and is scheduled to open in the former Saks OFF 5TH space by 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Schott|first=Paul|date=2021-09-28|title=Saks Off 5th to close at Stamford Town Center, Michael Kors confirms exit|url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Saks-Off-5th-to-close-at-Stamford-Town-Center-16494302.php|access-date=2022-01-09|website=[[Stamford Advocate]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

On September 8, 2022, Plan B Burger Bar was confirmed permanently closed after being closed since 2020. New York Comedy Club later opened in the space in early 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/calendar/event/20220908/1940694/plan-b-burger-bar-going-out-of-business-auction-open-to-the-public|title=Stamford Plan B Burger Bar permanently closed|date=September 8, 2022|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Patch|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/new-york-comedy-club-open-soon-stamford|title=New York Comedy Club opens soon in Stamford|date=February 1, 2023|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Patch|language=en}}</ref>

On October 22, 2022, Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse opened in the former Cheesecake Factory space.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/terra-gaucha-announces-oct-22-opening-stamford|title=Terra Gaucha announces October 22 opening in Stamford|date=October 7, 2022|access-date=October 22, 2022|website=Patch|language=en}}</ref>

On April 5, 2023, Pickleball America announced that they would be opening a 28-court indoor pickleball court in the old Saks Off 5th space. This would make it the largest indoor pickleball court in America, and is set to open by the end of July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/pickleball-america-stamford-town-center/|title=Pickleball America coming to Stamford Town Center|date=April 5, 2023|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=CBS News|language=en}}</ref>

On April 24, 2023, Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant opened in the former Kona Grill space, which made The Plaza’s restaurant area fully occupied for the first time since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://patch.com/connecticut/stamford/puerto-vallarta-new-mexican-restaurant-opens-stamford|title=Puerto Vallarta opens new restaurant in Stamford|date=April 24, 2023|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=Patch|language=en}}</ref>

On June 25, 2023, [[Forever 21]] closed its store at the mall, but owners of the mall are currently finding a tenant to replace the space.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/forever-21-closes-stamford-keep-other-ct-locations-18190686.php|title=Forever 21 closes Stamford location, keep other CT locations open|date=July 10, 2023|access-date=July 12, 2023|website=CT Insider|language=en}}</ref>

== Layout and design ==
The mall's design has been criticized for not being pedestrian-friendly,<ref name=":3"/> something that its developers sought to address in a redevelopment during the mid-2000s.<ref name=":3"/><ref name=":6"/>


== Anchors ==
== Anchors ==
* [[Macy's]] ({{convert|250000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1982
* [[Macy's]] ({{convert|250000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1982
* [[Barnes & Noble|Barnes and Noble]] – opened in 2008<ref name=":3" />
* [[Barnes & Noble|Barnes and Noble]] – opened in 2008<ref name=":3" />
* Pickleball America - opening in July 2023
* Pickleball America - opened in September 2023


=== Former anchors ===
=== Former anchors ===
* [[JCPenney]] ({{convert|160000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1982, closed in 1994<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news |last1=Fritsch |first1=Jane |title=Stamford Would Like to Turn A Successful Mall Inside Out |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/22/nyregion/stamford-would-like-to-turn-a-successful-mall-inside-out.html |accessdate=8 April 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=22 September 1997}}</ref>
* [[JCPenney]] ({{convert|160000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1982, closed in 1994<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news |last1=Fritsch |first1=Jane |title=Stamford Would Like to Turn A Successful Mall Inside Out |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/22/nyregion/stamford-would-like-to-turn-a-successful-mall-inside-out.html |accessdate=8 April 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=22 September 1997}}</ref>
* [[Filene's]] ({{convert|160000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1994, closed in 2005, demolished in 2006<ref name="The New York Times"/>
* [[Filene's]] ({{convert|160000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1994, closed in 2005, demolished in 2006, In the former JCPenney Space <ref name="The New York Times"/>
* [[Saks Fifth Avenue]] ({{convert|78000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1983, closed in 2014, reopened as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH in 2015
* [[Saks Fifth Avenue]] ({{convert|78000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}) – opened in 1983, closed in 2014, reopened as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH in 2015
*[[Saks Fifth Avenue|Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH]] ({{convert|78000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}){{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} – opened in 2015, relocated to the old Lord & Taylor store at High Ridge Road in 2021<ref name=":0"/>
*[[Saks Fifth Avenue|Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH]] ({{convert|78000|sqft|m2|abbr=on|disp=comma}}){{Citation needed|date=January 2022}} – opened in 2015, closed in 2021, relocated to the old Lord & Taylor store at High Ridge Road in 2022<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schott |first=Paul |date=2021-09-28 |title=Saks Off 5th to close at Stamford Town Center, Michael Kors confirms exit |url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Saks-Off-5th-to-close-at-Stamford-Town-Center-16494302.php |access-date=2022-01-09 |website=[[Stamford Advocate]] |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 97: Line 54:
File:STC New Wing BN.jpg|The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. [[H&M]] (closed in 2020) is shown here.
File:STC New Wing BN.jpg|The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. [[H&M]] (closed in 2020) is shown here.
File:STC New Wing CPK.jpg| The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. California Pizza Kitchen (closed in 2018) and Così (closed in 2016).
File:STC New Wing CPK.jpg| The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. California Pizza Kitchen (closed in 2018) and Così (closed in 2016).
File:STC Plaza KonaGrill.JPG|[[Kona Grill]] at The Plaza at Stamford Town Center.
File:STC Plaza KonaGrill.JPG|[[Kona Grill]] at The Plaza at Stamford Town Center (closed in 2019).
File:STC BarnesNoble.jpg|The Largest Barnes & Noble in Connecticut.
File:STC BarnesNoble.jpg|The Largest Barnes & Noble in Connecticut.
File:STC Capital Grille.jpg|The Capital Grille.
File:STC Capital Grille.jpg|The Capital Grille.

Latest revision as of 19:01, 27 November 2024

Stamford Town Center
Stamford Town Center logo
The Grand Court of Stamford Town Center in 2006.
Map
LocationStamford, Connecticut
Coordinates41°03′12″N 73°32′10″W / 41.053236°N 73.536242°W / 41.053236; -73.536242
Opening dateJune 17, 1982
DeveloperF.D. Rich Co.
Taubman Centers
OwnerStamford Town Center LLC
No. of anchor tenants2
Total retail floor area761,000 sq ft (70,700 m2)[1]
Public transit accessBus interchange 311, 312, 328, 333, 334, 341, 344
Websiteshopstamfordtowncenter.com

Stamford Town Center is an urban shopping mall located in Downtown Stamford, Connecticut. The 761,000-square-foot (70,700 m2) mall is the eighth largest in Connecticut, with space for about 130 stores and restaurants.[citation needed] The mall's three anchors are a 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2)[citation needed] Macy's, Barnes and Noble, and Pickleball America that opened in the nearly 80,000-square-foot (7,432 m2) anchor space previously occupied by Saks OFF 5th in September of 2023.

History

[edit]

Construction

[edit]

Built by F.D. Rich Co and Taubman Centers,[2] Stamford Town Center opened on June 17, 1982 as part of an urban renewal project[2] and had been the location of tenement structures that once lined Greyrock Place,[3] the street which is its primary address.

The mall was a significant part of Stamford's urban renewal efforts, and thus its construction was not without controversy. Upon the mall's opening, the city of Stamford reoriented nearby Bedford Street and Summer Street to be one-way, in order to make the mall more accessible via car, a move which harmed surrounding businesses.[4] An opinion piece in the New York Times lamented the destruction of once lively housing complexes which hosted lower-income residences, which was done to make way for the mall.[3]

Launch and success

[edit]

The mall launched with two anchors: Macy's and J.C. Penney.[2] Saks Fifth Avenue opened its store in the mall on March 12, 1983,[5] and served as the mall's third anchor.[6] From its opening, the mall was very popular and drew shoppers and tourists from as far as the New York City boroughs and even internationally,[7] and was considered "one of the country's most successful malls" by the 1990s, despite stiff nearby competition.[6] In July 1994, it was announced the mall's J.C. Penney would move out, and would be replaced by a Filene's.[6]

2000s redevelopment

[edit]

In May 2006, the southern portion of the mall, along Tresser Boulevard, was demolished and redeveloped.[8] The redevelopment of the former Filene's anchor emphasized being more pedestrian-friendly,[4][9] and improving the nearby better streetscape.[9][non-primary source needed] This portion of the mall, which included Filene's, was replaced with space for six new restaurants,[8] and Connecticut's largest Barnes & Noble,[8] the latter of which opened in 2008.[4]

The initial opening of the Plaza (which included Barnes & Noble, H&M, California Pizza Kitchen, Così, Kona Grill, and P.F. Chang's) occurred on November 1, 2007. Mitchell's Fish Market opened on December 8, 2007, while the Capital Grille opened on February 25, 2008. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que had planned to open in this new space, but pulled out of the project.[10] Plan B Burger Bar opened on August 4, 2012.[11]

Change in ownership

[edit]

On October 23, 2020, Taubman sold the mall to furniture chain Safevieh.[12]

Anchors

[edit]
  • Macy's (250,000 sq ft, 23,000 m2) – opened in 1982
  • Barnes and Noble – opened in 2008[4]
  • Pickleball America - opened in September 2023

Former anchors

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  • JCPenney (160,000 sq ft, 15,000 m2) – opened in 1982, closed in 1994[13]
  • Filene's (160,000 sq ft, 15,000 m2) – opened in 1994, closed in 2005, demolished in 2006, In the former JCPenney Space [13]
  • Saks Fifth Avenue (78,000 sq ft, 7,200 m2) – opened in 1983, closed in 2014, reopened as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH in 2015
  • Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH (78,000 sq ft, 7,200 m2)[citation needed] – opened in 2015, closed in 2021, relocated to the old Lord & Taylor store at High Ridge Road in 2022[14]
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  • Inside the Stamford Town Center during the 2007 holidays.
    Inside the Stamford Town Center during the 2007 holidays.
  • The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. H&M (closed in 2020) is shown here.
    The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. H&M (closed in 2020) is shown here.
  • The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. California Pizza Kitchen (closed in 2018) and Così (closed in 2016).
    The Plaza at the Stamford Town Center. California Pizza Kitchen (closed in 2018) and Così (closed in 2016).
  • Kona Grill at The Plaza at Stamford Town Center (closed in 2019).
    Kona Grill at The Plaza at Stamford Town Center (closed in 2019).
  • The Largest Barnes & Noble in Connecticut.
    The Largest Barnes & Noble in Connecticut.
  • The Capital Grille.
    The Capital Grille.
  • The entrance to the main mall from the Plaza.
    The entrance to the main mall from the Plaza.

References

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  1. ^ "Stamford Town Center". Taubman Properties. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Barmash, Isadore (February 14, 1982). "SHOPPING CENTER PLANS OPENING MINUS 132 STORES". The New York Times. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Bascom, Lionel C. (May 8, 1988). "CONNECTICUT OPINION; A Town Sells Off Pieces of Its Soul". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d "Future of Stamford Town Center Discussed at City Planning Board". Greenwich Free Press. November 19, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  5. ^ Walsh, Erin (March 10, 2008). "From the Archives: The Week of March 9". The Advocate. Stamford. p. A5.
  6. ^ a b c Charles, Eleanor (July 10, 1994). "Commercial Property/Suburban Mall Competition; Stamford Town Center Pins Hopes on New Addition". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  7. ^ Cavanaugh, Jack (May 22, 1988). "Tourists Welcome at Stamford Mall". The New York Times.
  8. ^ a b c Juliano, Michael (April 3, 2010). "Shopping malls put on a new face". Stamford Advocate. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  9. ^ a b "Stamford Town Center's New Outdoor Plaza Draws Six Full-Service Restaurants Making Area Debuts". Stamford Town Center. Archived from the original on November 9, 2006.
  10. ^ Pinto, Amanda (April 2, 2017). "Food court and play area to debut in mall". The Hour.
  11. ^ "Plan B Burger Bar opens in Stamford". Hey Stamford!. August 3, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  12. ^ >"Taubman Centers sells 760 KSF Connecticut mall". Commercial Search. October 23, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Fritsch, Jane (September 22, 1997). "Stamford Would Like to Turn A Successful Mall Inside Out". The New York Times. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  14. ^ Schott, Paul (September 28, 2021). "Saks Off 5th to close at Stamford Town Center, Michael Kors confirms exit". Stamford Advocate. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
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