The Birth of Sangertown Square (1980)
Sangertown Square opened its doors in July 1980, marking a pivotal moment for New Hartford, NY. Built near New York State Route 5 and Route 8, the mall quickly became a regional hub for shoppers in the Mohawk Valley.
It launched with four anchor stores: Sears, Bradlees, Hess’s, and JCPenney. These retailers were a staple of malls across America in the 1980s, giving Sangertown a strong foundation from the start.
The mall was designed with an ambitious vision. Pyramid Companies developed its layout, which mirrored the designs of other Pyramid properties, such as Hampshire Mall in Massachusetts.
Spanning about 870,000 sq ft of leasable space, it housed a mix of big-name retailers and smaller specialty shops. At its opening, there were 34 stores, and the mall quickly grew as more brands sought a presence in this popular new shopping center.
One of the mall’s early features was its 6-screen cinema and a roller rink in the Bradlees wing, designed to make Sangertown Square more than just a shopping destination.
These attractions drew families and groups looking for things to do in New Hartford, NY, especially on weekends.
By the mid-1980s, the roller rink was converted into additional cinema screens, bringing the total to 9, further solidifying Sangertown’s role as a social hotspot in the area.
Evolution of Retail Anchors and Changes (1990s-2000s)
The early 1990s brought a wave of retail transformations to Sangertown Square, following broader trends in the U.S. department store industry.
In 1994, regional favorite Hess’s rebranded into Kaufmann’s, a move that reflected the growing influence of Pittsburgh-based chains.
This transition kept shoppers coming back as Kaufmann’s introduced new merchandise and regional promotions. However, this wouldn’t be the last transformation of that space.
The early 2000s saw more shifts, starting with the closure of Bradlees in 2001. Bradlees had been an anchor since Sangertown’s opening, but like many mid-tier department stores, it couldn’t survive the changing retail landscape.
By 2002, the vacant space found new life when Target moved in, becoming a cornerstone of the mall and solidifying its appeal to modern shoppers.
Meanwhile, Kaufmann’s eventually converted into Macy’s in September 2006, following a trend that affected many malls across the country.
These changes were part of a larger trend that saw traditional department stores adapt or close as they faced competition from big-box retailers and the rising popularity of online shopping.
During this period, Sangertown Square continued to evolve with the market, ensuring that it remained a central shopping destination in New Hartford and the Mohawk Valley.
Modernization and the Digital Era (2010-2020)
In response to shifts in consumer habits, Sangertown Square embarked on a modernization project in 2014. The mall underwent a two-year renovation to refresh its image and appeal to newer generations of shoppers.
Updates at the mall’s exterior entrances included new seating, decorative lighting, new tiles, and improved landscaping.
These changes were designed to create a more inviting atmosphere and adapt to the preferences of younger shoppers who were increasingly drawn to experiences as much as retail.
While traditional department stores like Circuit City closed during this time, making way for stores like HomeGoods in 2009, the mall also welcomed newer specialty stores. In 2012, DSW opened as a junior anchor, which reflected the trend of introducing more diverse and niche retailers.
Sangertown continued to offer well-known names like Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and American Eagle, balancing these specialty shops with larger retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Boscov’s.
By the 2020s, the mall faced additional challenges as several of its longtime anchors, including Sears, JCPenney, and Macy’s, closed.
These closures were part of broader corporate strategies to cut physical locations amidst the rise of e-commerce, which reshaped the retail landscape during the 2010s.
Despite these changes, Sangertown Square continued to adapt, seeking new tenants and exploring options to attract shoppers with entertainment-focused offerings and modern retail experiences.
The Revival and New Tenants (2021-2023)
After facing anchor store closures in the early 2020s, Sangertown Square began a new phase of revival. Starting in 2021, the mall made efforts to attract a fresh set of tenants, focusing on both retail and entertainment.
New stores like Ashcroft & Oak and Earthbound Trading Co. opened in 2022, adding to the variety of shopping options. These stores helped fill some of the gaps left by departing big-box retailers, giving the mall a renewed sense of energy.
One of the most exciting new attractions in this period was PiNZ, an entertainment venue offering a mix of activities, including axe throwing and other social games.
Looking back at 2024, Sangertown Square continued its tradition of hosting beloved community events. The Fire Truck Spectacular, held on July 18, 2024, brought excitement to New Hartford.
Organized by the New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department, the event showcased fire trucks from across Central New York, attracting families for an evening of fun while celebrating local first responders. It reinforced the mall’s role in fostering community spirit throughout the region.
Additionally, Tykes Tuesday, a favorite summer program, engaged families once again. Held on select Tuesdays in July and August, the free event offered interactive activities for children, including pretzel rolling at Auntie Anne’s and animal presentations by the Utica Zoo.
Sangertown Square is set to host its annual Trick or Treat Street event on October 31, 2024. This event will allow families to enjoy Halloween festivities and promises fun and treats for children and adults alike.
These experiences highlighted Sangertown Square’s commitment to providing entertainment and educational activities for the local community beyond just shopping.
While new tenants offer hope, the mall continues to explore ways to adapt to the changing retail environment.