WS Development is bringing a new generation of great retailers, first class architecture and site design to transform the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center, one of the region's oldest suburban shopping centers in one of its best locations, as a shopping center fitting for the 21st century. Opened in 1949, the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center was by some accounts Massachusetts' first modern suburban shopping center. It was originally anchored by R.H. Stearns, S.S. Pierce, and Star Market.
The major redevelopment, which is being constructed by The Torrey Company on behalf of WS Development, will expand the center to 406,000 s/f. The project began in March with the demolition of the former Macy's building. A familiar icon to Rte. 9 drivers, the Macy's building had been home to Bloomingdale's and R.H. Stearns. In its place will stand a new 115,000 s/f building that will include Cinema de Lux and The Sports Club/LA.
National Amusements will open the six-screen, Cinema de Lux in March 2013. The new cinema will feature a full-service restaurant, premium reserved seating and in-theatre, at-your-seat dining throughout the entire complex. The cinema complex will be more than 40,000 s/f and will include a yet-to-be-announced restaurateur. The lobby will also include a full bar and lounge.
The Sports Club/LA at Chestnut Hill Shopping Center will be the company's first Jewel Box club. The Jewel Box concept will artfully blend cutting-edge technology and architecture to create an unrivaled fitness experience. The new club is being designed to ensure that the essence and amenities of its larger clubs are creatively integrated into the new eco-friendly, technologically advanced club. The Sports Club/LA recently opened a pre-sales office onsite located at the center's Hammond Pond Parkway entrance.
Next to Cinema de Lux and The Sports Club/LA will be one of New York City's most beloved gathering places, Shake Shack. Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more. Shake Shack will set up shop in a portion of the building that formerly housed Rugged Bear.
The redevelopment will feature a new village-like streetscape complete with tree-shaded pedestrian walkways, outdoor dining, cafés and new buildings with glass facades overlooking Hammond Pond. For the first time, storefronts will open to both the south facing Rte. 9 as well as to the north facing Hammond Pond. When complete, the center will have a contemporary look and a host of new retail offerings. The architect is Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates (PCA) of Cambridge, who previously designed WS Development's Legacy Place in Dedham.
"The design concept transforms a suburban strip retail center into a more active mix of specialty retail stores alongside office and entertainment uses," said David Chilinski, AIA of Prellwitz Chilinski Associates. "Site planning reorients Rte. 9 into an "urban" street lined with shops and linked by multiple pedestrian walkways that function as "merchant rows," alive with sidewalk cafes and retailer's display windows. This new "town center," with its welcoming, comfortable sidewalk experience, will bring a new level of energy, excitement and sophistication to Chestnut Hill."
Later this year, construction will begin on a further phase of redevelopment, which will include a new 64,000 s/f, three-story building located where City Sports and Century Bank reside. The first floor of the new, LEED certifiable building, will include retail stores and restaurants. The second floor will offer restaurants overlooking Hammond Pond. Part of the second floor and the entire third floor will become WS Development's new corporate headquarters. The existing movie theater will be rebuilt to accommodate a mix of additional best-in-class retailers and restaurants.

There's much more to come as WS Development continues to transform the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center into a retail destination fitting for the 21st century.

To stay informed on the latest construction news and tenant signings, visit www.chestnuthillshoppingcenter.com.