LAKE GROVE, N.Y. — Mall giant Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG) has unveiled plans for a multimillion-dollar transformation of Smith Haven Mall in the Long Island village of Lake Grove. The redevelopment project will feature improvements to both the interior and exterior of the mall, with the addition of new retailers, restaurants, a new outdoor plaza and amenities throughout the property.
The redevelopment process will begin this summer and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
“At Simon, we are committed to making significant investments across our portfolio to ensure that our centers continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences for today’s shoppers,” says Mark Silvestri, president of development at Simon.
Smith Haven Mall’s exterior will be repainted and will include new signage, updated entryways, landscaping and seating accommodations. The mall’s interior will receive new flooring and fixtures, as well as enhancements to Center Court and a transformation of the food court with newly installed seating.
New tenants at the mall include fashion retailer Zara, which will open its first location in Eastern Long Island near Smith Haven’s Center Court next year. The square footage of the new Zara was not disclosed, but the space will be “massive,” according to Simon.
Additionally, Golf Lounge 18, a golf and sports bar concept, will open at the mall in March, while Sur la Table, a kitchenware retailer, will open in the fall. International retailers Primark and Mango, as well as restaurant chain Ford’s Garage, are currently open for business.
Smith Haven Mall features more than 130 shops and restaurants, including L.L. Bean, Apple, H&M, White House Black Market, LoveSac, Aerie, Forever21, Sephora, The LEGO Store, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Bahama Breeze. The mall originally opened under the name Nesconset Shopping Center in 1969, according to local media outlets.
Simon is a publicly traded REIT that owns and operates premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations across North America, Europe and Asia. Recently, the Indianapolis-based company announced plans to develop Nashville Premium Outlets, a 325,000-square-foot outlet mall in the Nashville suburb of Thompson’s Station, Tenn.
Simon’s stock price closed on Friday, Feb. 7 at $179.94 per share, up from $145.70 a year ago, a 23.5 percent increase.
— Abby Cox