The History of Northshore Mall
The journey of Northshore Mall began with an ambitious plan unveiled in December 1954 to establish Greater Boston’s second shopping mall. This vision materialized on a 100-acre site in Peabody, Massachusetts, a location once known for its pastoral charm as a country estate.
Later, it transitioned into a parochial school and a dairy farm. The selection of Peabody over Beverly for the mall’s location marked a pivotal decision in its foundational story.
On September 12, 1958, Northshore Mall opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the retail landscape of Massachusetts. The inaugural ceremony, graced by Governor Foster Furcolo, unveiled a shopping haven anchored by Jordan Marsh, Filene’s, and other retail giants such as Sears, Kresge, and J.J. Newberry.
This event did not merely introduce a new shopping center; it launched a communal space that promised a blend of retail, recreation, and relaxation.
From its early days, Northshore Mall was more than a collection of stores; it was a destination for family outings and leisure activities. It included a bowling alley, cinema, and Kiddietown, an amusement park next to the former Sears & Roebuck, offering diverse experiences to visitors.
These attractions and retail offerings made the mall a groundbreaking regional project, laying the groundwork for its evolution into a beloved landmark.
The mall’s journey from opening to becoming a cornerstone of shopping in Peabody reflects a broader narrative of growth, community, and innovation.
When you explore things to do in Boston, Massachusetts, the story of Northshore Mall stands out as a testament to the vision and perseverance that have shaped its legacy.
Expansion and Redefinition Through Decades
The landscape of Northshore Mall transformed significantly during the 1970s and 1980s, marking a period of extensive expansion and redevelopment.
Initially an open-air center, the mall underwent a crucial transition to an enclosed space, a move aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and competing more effectively with the nearby Liberty Tree Mall, which New England Development had built in 1972.
This shift reflected a change in architectural design and consumer preferences for a more comfortable and all-encompassing retail environment.
The 1990s heralded another significant growth phase for Northshore Mall, particularly with its acquisition by New England Development in 1992.
This period saw the mall expand to nearly 1.7 million square feet. Notable developments included the construction of a new Filene’s at the northwest end, the replacement of a former amusement park, and the addition of a Lord & Taylor store.
These expansions, completed in 1993, were pivotal in cementing the mall’s status as a premier shopping destination.
Introducing a new food court adjoining the original Filene’s location further diversified the mall’s offerings, making it a hub for shopping and dining.
Simon Property Group’s acquisition of Northshore Mall in 1999 marked the beginning of a new stewardship era, under which the mall continued to thrive and evolve.
Simon’s management initiated several cosmetic upgrades and structural changes, enriching the mall’s aesthetic appeal and enhancing its functionality.
This period underscored a continuous commitment to innovation and adaptability, ensuring Northshore Mall remained at the forefront of retail trends and consumer expectations. Decades of expansion have grown the mall’s size, community role, and regional influence.
The 21st Century: A New Era of Retail
Besides renaming Jordan Marsh to Macy’s in 1996, the mall’s core structure and anchor stores stayed the same until 2005.
That year brought a major shift when Federated Department Stores, Macy’s owner, acquired May Department Stores, which owned Lord & Taylor and Filene’s.
This acquisition led to the closure of the Filene’s store in March 2006, though not for long. By May, Federated repurposed the Filene’s space for a relocated Macy’s store, marking a key moment in the brand’s consolidation under the Macy’s name.
2006, a pivotal development occurred when Simon Property Group announced a partnership with Nordstrom, introducing this high-end department store to the mall in 2009.
This addition was part of a broader expansion plan, including demolishing the former Jordan Marsh building to make way for a new wing. This expansion added variety to the mall’s stores and boosted its luxury status.
The new wing, featuring two floors of stores and connecting directly to Nordstrom, brought in many upscale brands, including Zara, Sephora, and The North Face.
The enhancement of the food court and the introduction of dining establishments like The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro in the late 2000s further underscored Northshore Mall’s commitment to providing a comprehensive shopping and dining experience.
These developments reflected a strategic effort to cater to a broader audience, combining retail, dining, and entertainment under one roof.
The closure of P.F. Chang’s in 2017 and its replacement with Bancroft & Co. signified the mall’s ongoing adaptability to changing consumer tastes and the competitive dining landscape.
Thus, the 21st century has marked a period of significant growth and reinvention for Northshore Mall, positioning it as a central figure in the Northeast’s retail sector.
Not Just Shopping: The Mall as a Community Space
Northshore Mall distinguishes itself as more than a shopping destination; it serves as a vibrant community space, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its visitors.
This unique aspect is vividly illustrated by the presence of the St. Therese Society of Mt. Carmel Chapel within its walls.
Established in 1960, the chapel is a rare sanctuary of tranquility amid the bustling retail environment. It offers a place for reflection and spiritual solace to shoppers and employees alike.
The chapel’s long-standing location highlights the mall’s commitment to community needs.
The Peabody Police Department Community Outreach Center further emphasizes the mall’s commitment to community engagement.
This facility represents a proactive approach to community policing, providing a platform for interaction between law enforcement and the public in a nontraditional, accessible setting.
The center’s activities, from safety workshops to community meetings, highlight the mall’s multifaceted role in promoting safety, awareness, and a sense of shared responsibility among residents.
Including these spaces within Northshore Mall speaks to a broader vision of what a mall can be – not just a place for commerce but a hub for community life.
These elements create a warm and inclusive atmosphere where shopping is intertwined with opportunities for community engagement, cultural enrichment, and personal growth.
As malls nationwide seek to redefine their role in the 21st century, Northshore Mall sets a commendable example by integrating commercial success with meaningful community interaction.
Northshore Mall’s Latest Evolution: New Stores and Eateries in 2024
Following an extensive renovation project, Northshore Mall, under the management of Simon Property Group, is set to introduce several new stores and eateries in 2024.
This announcement follows the successful 2023 openings of Arhaus, Sweetgreen, and L.L.Bean, highlighting the mall’s ongoing transformation into a regional entertainment destination and social hub.
The multimillion-dollar renovation, which began in 2017, aimed to revitalize the shopping center by adding seven new concepts between 2020 and 2022, enhancing its appeal as a place for the community to gather, dine, and enjoy various recreational activities.
The final phase of this redevelopment has opened the doors to exciting new brands and dining options.
Among the notable openings is Big Chicken, a restaurant founded by NBA Hall of Fame star Shaquille O’Neal, known for its fusion of home-cooked favorites and contemporary flavors.
Another addition is Honeygrow, a popular Philadelphia-based restaurant specializing in made-to-order stir-fries, salads, and honey bars. With this location, Honeygrow is marking its expansion into Peabody.
Furthermore, the UK-based Immersive Gamebox is introducing a novel entertainment concept to the mall. It features fully private, interactive digital rooms for an immersive adventure without the need for virtual reality.
Additionally, Gametime Lanes & Entertainment, a locally owned bowling and entertainment center, will expand its presence to Northshore Mall. The center will feature tenpin bowling, arcade games, and axe throwing, alongside a full pub menu.
These developments are not merely about expanding the retail and dining landscape; they represent Simon Property Group’s commitment to reinventing Northshore Mall as a dynamic hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Expanding the mall’s options, Simon Property Group keeps Northshore Mall aligned with shopper and community expectations.