Planning Board OK's Sears Site Overhaul At Burlington Mall

BURLINGTON, MA -- The town's planning board approved a plan approved a plan by Simon Property Group to remake the Sears store at the Burlington Mall into a "lifestyle center" with pedestrian areas connecting the mall to a new, stand-alone mixed-use building. The new 35,000 square-foot, single-story, retail and restaurant building would replace the Sears automotive center. Sears closed in April after 50 years at the mall.

The plan calls for a reduction of 18,000 square feet in retail space, but in a cover letter to its application, the mall's owners said they are "aggressively pursuing high-quality tenants to populate the new facilities which are intended appeal to the area retail market."

Simon Property Group announced its plan to renovate the mall in April, and expects the project to be complete in Spring 2019. In its current configuration, the mall has 1.3 million square feet of space and more than 160 stores. The mall is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The redevelopment follows an announcement by Sears to close 39 stores, including the Burlington Mall location. Traditional, enclosed malls like the Burlington Mall have faced competition in recent years from so-called lifestyle centers that combine shopping, dining, and outdoor space. In some cases, like the Marketplace at Lynnfield, a housing component is also included in the development.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).