SPRINGFIELD, Va. (WUSA9) -- Hundreds of people showed up to see the grand opening of the new Springfield Town Center on Friday. Crowds waited for that first look inside the brand new mall which has been rebuilt with open and high ceilings, huge skylights, a glass elevator, and the most popular chains. It rivals Tyson's Corner Center.
The old Springfield Mall was torn down to the steal and concrete three years ago, and rebuilt. The 1.35 million square-foot retail property includes Michael Kors, J. Crew, Sephora, Dick's Sporting Goods and the D.C. area's first TopShop… a trendy British clothing retailer.
The restaurants include Maggiano's Little Italy, Yard House, wine-and-burger bar Zinburger and a new food court, however, few food court restaurants were ready to open for the mall's first day. The new Regal Cinemas with 12 theaters has a full bar and hot food, as well as reclining seats.
"We have a fantastic LA Fitness with a swimming pool in it, we have a great collections of restaurants. It's everything you could want, a complete transformation," Springfield Town Center General Manager Eric Christensen told WUSA9.
The mall's current owner, Vornado Realty Trust, closed it in 2012 and oversaw $250 million in renovations. Vornado is selling the property to Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) for $465 million.
Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay worked for years to secure the new mall. "This is a launching pad to great things that are going to happen around here. This is returning the Mall back to the people," said McKay.
As Springfield Mall fell into decline through the 1990s and 2000s, it was plagued by crime and carjackings. People were afraid to go there and shoppers stayed away. Tenants fled. The old mall's problems cast a negative light on Springfield overall. Local officials and residents hope that the new Springfield Town Center will do the opposite and bring a Renaissance to greater Springfield.
"This shopping center is really going to rejuvenate the economy. It deserves it. It's a wonderful area," said Jacques Imadi, a 30-year Springfield resident.
McKay says Springfield Town Center is employing about 3,500 people. During the holiday shopping season, the number will likely rise to 5,000.
