Malden, MA According to Jefferson Apartment Group (JAG), a leading multifamily developer and operator specializing in premier apartment communities throughout the East Coast, Malden Center Fine Wines has opened at J Malden Center. Soul City Yoga will be opening soon as well and the property has also signed up the French-Asian bakery franchise “Tous Les Jours” to join the retail mix at J Malden Center. Additionally, vehicular and pedestrian connections between Pleasant St. and Commercial and Florence Sts. were restored this spring replacing the dead end that was in place for more than 40 years. Part of the overall J Malden Center project, this new connection provides direct and easy access to all of the center’s retail and dining destinations from the MBTA station across the street and straight up Pleasant St.
“Given the current market conditions and many unknowns in the retail market, we are particularly excited at the level of interest and activity we are seeing at J Malden Center,” said Sandi Silk, senior vice president and development partner, JAG. “Malden Center Fine Wines has locations in Somerville and Needham that have intensely loyal customers due to the care with which they deliver a unique collection of artisanal and craft beers, wines and specialty liquors. Bringing a purveyor of spirits and provisions like Malden Center Fine Wines to Malden delivers on the promise we made when we were selected by the city of Malden to redevelop this property and create a vibrant and engaging gateway project to reinvigorate Malden Center. The opening of Soul City Yoga in the next few weeks will bring another new destination and an amenity that hasn’t previously been available in this transforming transit oriented suburban center.”
“We look forward to serving the Malden community a signature set of unique wines and hard-to-find craft beers to pair with our wide selection of gourmet food, diverse cheeses and meats,” said Chris Lianos, owner of Malden Center Fine Wines. “As always the health and safety of our employees and customers is our utmost priority. We are proud to say that in all of our shops we have gone above and beyond to ensure that safety and cleanliness are at the forefront of our business.”
Malden mayor Gary Christenson expressed his excitement surrounding the new businesses opening in Malden Center, “Even during a pandemic, the momentum in Malden isn’t slowing down and we are incredibly proud and excited about that. It just goes to show what a strong community and wonderful, welcoming place Malden is to do business. These new businesses will provide great new amenities for all our residents and visitors to enjoy along with easy, convenient access from the train station.”
“We are thrilled to see our second studio come to life,” said Shanel Anderson, Soul City Yoga’s founder, “After holding classes in the courtyard here at J Malden Center for the apartment residents the past few weeks, we are energized by the community and all of the new yogis we have met. While our studio is opening soon, we have already started building our community and are now offering outdoor classes at City Hall Plaza five times a week. Soul City Yoga was founded as a way to create an inclusive community space where people could center and achieve personal growth, and that has never been more important than during these strange times.”
Tous Les Jours, a South Korean franchise, signed a lease in May with plans to open in 2021. As a locally-owned franchise, the new bakery and café destination will offer a variety of cakes, cookies, breads and beverages. “We are excited to bring this bakery concept to Malden,” said Yuanye Hao, the franchise owner of Tous Les Jours. “As the only restaurant and bakery of its kind in the Malden community, we are looking forward to providing the residents and visitors with freshly baked goods made from the finest ingredients for years to come.”
Although advanced discussions are underway to bring additional food concepts to the retail mix at J Malden Center, there are a few retail and restaurant opportunities still available ranging in size from 1200 – 3500 sf.