The dilapidated Eastfield Mall sign stands under blue skies on a cold December day.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — Days after Reminder Publishing reported on Springfield Crossing, updates have been made to the project’s renderings and promotional materials.
The leasing agency for the project, Atlantic Realty, originally had materials on its website that listed BJ’s Wholesale Club and Target as the two chains coming to the former Eastfield Mall lot at 1655 Boston Rd. later this fall, but those materials have changed.
The leasing agency’s website now showcases materials that list BJ’s, PetSmart, Hobby Lobby and La-Z-Boy as the four stores currently under construction. According to Atlantic’s website, the stores have a projected opening fall opening date.
Of note, Target is no longer part of that list, or the renderings provided by Atlantic Realty. Instead, the location where Target was originally pictured in the Springfield Crossing project now says, “proposed anchor tenant.”
In a statement to Reminder Publishing in late December, a Target spokesperson said the big box chain is pursuing “the opportunity to reach guests in the Springfield, [Massachusetts], area,” but at that time, they could not share any new store plans.
As for the PetSmart, a spokesperson from the company confirmed to Reminder Publishing that a new PetSmart is coming to 1655 Boston Rd. in the summer but said that she could not provide more details.
“We’re a ways out from the location opening, so I don’t have firm details,” the spokesperson said.
Reminder Publishing has not heard back from La-Z-Boy, BJ’s, Hobby Lobby or the leasing agent and developers for the Springfield Crossing project, as of press time.
The projected businesses are part of broader redevelopment of the former Eastfield Mall lot over the past couple of years after the mall officially closed in summer 2023.
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 to $85 million.
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.”
Other possible businesses
The Atlantic Realty website also features renderings for other possible occupants of the former Eastfield Mall lot including a Chick-fil-A, Carter’s, Skechers and Chipotle.
In a statement to Reminder Publishing, a spokesperson from Chipotle stated that there are plans for a new Springfield location in 2026 but could not give any details on where it will be.
“Those are the only details I have to share right now,” said Tyler Benson, Chipotle’s senior manager of external communications.
Meanwhile, 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.
Currently, Target, Hobby Lobby and PetSmart are listed in the Hampden Registry of Deeds for Springfield.
