SJC Ventures closes on former Macy’s at Harford Mall property

Announces construction for Derby Place

BEL AIR, Md. — SJC Ventures, a premier Atlanta-based mixed-use, retail and multi-family development firm, recently announced it has closed on the former Macy’s at the Harford Mall property and will begin clearing land and starting infrastructure in early July in preparation for Derby Place, a 94,600-square-foot mixed-use center.

The closing marks the second phase of the mall redevelopment, for both CBL Properties, a national shopping mall owner, operator and developer, and SJC Ventures. The firm is purchasing the former Macy’s property from CBL Properties.

CBL Properties has owned the entire mall property for more than 20 years and has been working to redevelop the property into a large-scale mixed-use destination. During the first phase, SJC Ventures purchased and redeveloped the former Sears property at the Harford Mall and turned it into Shops of Harford Mall, which was completed in 2024.

Located at the intersections of Veterans Memorial Highway, Baltimore Pike and North Tollgate Road, the future Derby Place will be anchored by a 35,000-square-foot organic grocer and complemented by 48,000 square feet of luxury boutiques, restaurants, shops and amenities.

SJC Ventures plans to incorporate pedestrian walkways that will allow for greater connectivity in the space, forming a large mixed-use complex for residents and visitors that will feature pocket parks and open space. The enhanced pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, with the creation of an access drive between Baltimore Pike and Boulton Street, will make shopping more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a vibrant community hub.

A residential component will also be included at Derby Place, featuring 249 multi-family units with an on-site parking deck. Construction on the residential portion is anticipated to start in fall 2026 by another developer.

“Over the course of six years, we have worked with the Town of Bel Air to share our vision for this transformational redevelopment project,” said Jeff Garrison, principal at SJC Ventures. “We are confident this will help solidify Bel Air as the centerpiece of Harford County and become an asset the community can be proud of. We look forward to the day this is a fully cohesive property with greenspace, and are excited to be a part of the next step in making that happen.”

Construction is slated to start on Derby Place in summer 2026, with first tenant openings projected for spring 2028.

Pre-leasing efforts for the center are ongoing for restaurants, medical, soft goods retailers and service users. For retail leasing inquiries, contact Natalie Battisti at natalie@sjcventures.com, Ray Schupp at rschupp@hrretail.com, Suzanne Katz at skatz@hrretail.com and Bryan Davis at bdavis@hrretail.com.

About SJC Ventures

Founded in 2007, SJC Ventures is a privately held, mixed-use commercial real estate and retail development firm. The company has acquired and developed more than 60 retail, mixed-use, multifamily and office projects throughout the continental U.S. The company is headquartered in Georgia. For more information, visit www.sjcventures.com.

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For more information, please contact:

Kate De Michieli

Kate@oneeightohpr.com