The dilapidated Eastfield Mall sign stands under blue skies on a cold December day.
Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre
SPRINGFIELD — A Target and a BJ’s Wholesale Club are among the several businesses proposed at the new Springfield Crossing project on 1655 Boston Rd.
Atlantic Realty, the leasing agency on the project, recently unveiled new renderings that show a PetSmart, Chik fil-A, Carter’s, Skechers, Chipotle, Hobby Lobby and the aforementioned Target and BJ’s as possible occupants of the former Eastfield Mall.
The renderings also illustrate a gas station attached to the BJ’s.
Representatives from the leasing agent and the developers were unreachable for comment on these renderings, however, Reminder Publishing was able to reach a few of the proposed businesses from the renderings to comment on their status in the Springfield area.
In a statement, a Target spokesperson said that Target is pursuing “the opportunity to reach guests in the Springfield, [Massachusetts], area,” but at this time, they could not share any new store plans.
As of press time, the materials say that there is a proposed fall 2025 opening for the Target and BJ’s Wholesale Club, and both are currently under construction. Reminder Publishing did not receive a response from representatives of BJ’s.
A spokesperson from Chipotle, stated that there are plans for a new Springfield location in 2026, but could not give any details on where.
“Those are the only details I have to share right now,” said Tyler Benson, Chipotle’s senior manager of external communications.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from PetSmart said “they are ways away” from opening a Springfield location, but confirmed that one will be opening in summer 2026. She could not provide anymore details outside of that.
A Chick fil-A representative also responded to Reminder Publishing’s inquiry about a possible location at Springfield Crossing.
“While we hope to serve the Springfield community in the future, we cannot confirm a location at this time,” the chain said in a statement.
Reminder Publishing also reached out to Hobby Lobby, but did not receive a response as of press time.
Currently, the Hobby Lobby and Target are both listed in the Hampden Registry of Deeds.
Background
The Springfield City Council officially approved a special permit for mall redevelopment in 2023. The developers of the project, Onyx Partners Ltd., said that the total redevelopment of the mall would cost $65-$85 million. The Eastfield Mall officially closed in summer 2023.
During a City Council meeting that year, Onyx Limited said that redevelopment of the Eastfield Mall property is “more of a modern retail, restaurant and shopping experience.”
Onyx Principal Anton Melchionda told the council that this redevelopment will create around 800 jobs “through construction and everything else.”
Reminder Publishing also reached out to Timothy Sheehan, Springfield’s chief development officer but did not hear back as of press time.
