Early Development
Wilton Mall, developed by Wilmorite Properties, opened in 1990. Located off Interstate 87 exit 15 in Wilton, New York, just north of Saratoga Springs, the mall quickly attracted shoppers from the region.
The mall initially featured anchor stores like JCPenney and Steinbach, which drew large crowds and boosted sales for smaller retailers.
The mall’s strategic location contributed to its early success. Positioned near a major highway and in proximity to Saratoga Springs, it became a convenient shopping destination. This accessibility helped establish Wilton Mall as a retail hub, competing with other local malls.
In its early years, the mall housed a variety of stores and services. National chains like American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, and Old Navy opened outlets, adding to the mall’s appeal.
Specialty retailers such as Yankee Candle and Shoe Dept. also found a place within the mall, offering diverse shopping options to visitors.
By 1995, Wilton Mall had solidified its position in the market. It featured 70 stores and services, covering a total retail floor area of 708,000 square feet.
The mall’s layout and design facilitated easy navigation, enhancing the shopping experience. Public transit access, including routes 450 and 452, further improved its accessibility for shoppers without cars.
Wilton Mall’s early development phase established it as a key player in the local retail scene. Offering a wide range of stores and attracting steady foot traffic, the mall became a go-to destination for shopping and leisure for those looking for things to do in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Ownership Changes
In 2004, Macerich bought Wilton Mall from Wilmorite Properties. This California-based real estate firm aimed to revitalize the mall. They planned upgrades and new attractions to keep shoppers coming.
Macerich focused on enhancing the mall’s appeal. They brought in new retailers and revamped existing spaces. For example, they upgraded JCPenney’s location in 2008. They also introduced HomeGoods and Dick’s Sporting Goods, which helped diversify the mall’s offerings.
During this period, the mall added more dining options. Restaurants like Healthy Living Market provide more choices for visitors. This strategy aimed to turn the mall into more than just a shopping destination; it became a place to spend the day.
By the end of the decade, Wilton Mall saw both successes and challenges. New stores brought fresh energy, but the rise of e-commerce posed new hurdles. Macerich’s efforts set the stage for further developments in the following years.
Store Closures and Challenges
In 2018, Wilton Mall faced a big change when Sears and The Bon-Ton announced closures. Sears had been a cornerstone since the mall’s early days. The Bon-Ton, another anchor, struggled with financial issues and couldn’t stay afloat.
These closures hit the mall hard. Losing two major stores meant less foot traffic for smaller retailers. Bon-Ton’s space stood empty for a while. Sears’ departure left a large gap that needed filling.
Macerich moved quickly to address these challenges. They planned to repurpose the empty spaces. Saratoga Hospital took over the Sears location, aiming to expand its services. This move marked a shift from purely retail to a mixed-use approach.
Meanwhile, the former Bon-Ton area was set for redevelopment. Plans included townhouses and luxury apartments, aiming to attract more residents. This mixed-use strategy aimed to breathe new life into the mall and adapt to changing retail trends.
Redevelopment Plans
In 2022, Macerich unveiled ambitious redevelopment plans for Wilton Mall. The idea was to transform the mall into a mixed-use destination. To attract new residents, they proposed adding up to 400 luxury apartments and townhomes.
The plans included various amenities to enhance the mall’s appeal. Macerich wanted to incorporate a theater, an art gallery, microbreweries, and distilleries. These additions aimed to create a vibrant community space, drawing in visitors for more than just shopping.
Macerich’s vision extended beyond residential and entertainment. They proposed building row houses, an indoor pool, and cocktail lounges. The goal was to offer a diverse range of activities, cater to different interests, and make the mall a central hub.
By incorporating laboratories and research centers, Macerich hoped to attract a broader audience, including professionals and students. This approach aimed to create a dynamic environment where retail, residential, and recreational activities coexisted, revitalizing Wilton Mall.
Community and Economic Impact
The redevelopment plans for Wilton Mall sparked mixed reactions in the community. Some people welcomed the changes, seeing them as a way to rejuvenate the area. The introduction of luxury apartments and townhomes promised to bring in new residents and boost local businesses.
However, others had concerns. Long-time residents worried about losing the traditional retail spaces they had grown accustomed to. The potential increase in traffic and changes to the local landscape also raised questions about the overall impact on the community.
Economically, the redevelopment aimed to create new opportunities. The addition of diverse amenities and residential spaces promised to attract a wider audience. This influx could help local businesses thrive, providing more jobs and stimulating the economy.
The balance between preserving the mall’s retail heritage and introducing new elements was crucial. Macerich’s plans aimed to respect the mall’s history while adapting to modern needs. This approach hoped to ensure that Wilton Mall remained a vital part of the Saratoga Springs community.
Wilton Mall Latest Developments (2023-2024)
In recent news, Wilton Mall is undergoing significant changes aimed at revitalizing its presence in Saratoga Springs, NY.
On February 22, 2023, developers unveiled a mixed-use transformation plan for the mall, which includes nearly 400 new apartments and townhouses. This ambitious project reflects a broader trend in adapting traditional retail spaces to meet modern demands.
The redevelopment plan received a crucial boost on September 10, 2023, when it was approved for a public hearing and forwarded to the county planning board.
This approval marked an essential step in moving the project forward, allowing detailed discussions and adjustments based on community feedback.
Scene One Entertainment reopened the mall’s movie theater in March 2024, aiming to bring back entertainment options that had been missing.
By April 5, 2024, the town board had given the green light for the apartment project at Wilton Mall. This decision allowed the developers to proceed with their plans to build 382 luxury apartments on the mall property. These apartments aim to attract new residents and bring additional foot traffic to the mall.
Despite some opposition from local supervisors, the project has gained momentum. On April 8, 2024, the town board’s vote confirmed that the apartment project could progress, underscoring the community’s broader support for the redevelopment.
The developers plan to complete the new residential units by 2026-2027, aiming to transform Wilton Mall into a vibrant, mixed-use destination.
Are any new stores coming to the mall?
Great question! However, specific information about new stores opening in the mall this year is not detailed in the available sources.
isn’t there enough empty luxury apartments in saratoga already?
I appreciate your input! You’re right—there are already quite a few luxury apartments. There’s been a lot of development in that direction, and it makes you wonder about the demand.