Urban Outfitters Store Coming to Westfield

The Westfield Planning Board approved the application submitted by international retailer Urban Outfitters at a special meeting held Wednesday evening. 

A resolution will be adopted at the April 9 meeting of the Board of Adjustment. 

The applicant, Poly C LLC and Serf Realty LLC, is seeking variance relief for its use of the property at 154 East Broad Street. The most significant request for relief deals with allowing the tenant to use the basement for certain non-storage uses. Section 12.04C of the Land Use Ordinance allows storage use in a non-residential basement. Urban Outfitters seeks permission to use the basement of the building for a variety of uses, including retail, storage and office use.

A representative of the property owner said that the property was acquired more than three years ago and has been listed with a number of realtors since. Though many tenants expressed interest in the building, none were suitable, either for financial or architectural reasons. Once Urban Outfitters entered the picture, the property owner made aggressive proposals to the retail chain. He acknowledged that, while Urban Outfitters did not represent the most financially lucrative deal, it was the optimal choice because it would allow for the building to keep its architectural integrity. The lease on the property would be for 10 years, including two five-year options.

According to the testimony given by architect Dennis Flynn, the basement would include fitting rooms, a shoe sale area, public bathrooms, an office, an area for employees and storage space. The main floor would be used entirely for retail sales. The mezzanine level would also be used for retail, fitting rooms and storage space. The building would also include a new staircase and handicap-accessible elevator. A second staircase would also be included, though it would only be used for emergencies and not main access.

Two professionals involved in the development and design of Urban Outfitter stores elaborated on why the location was chosen and what changes would be necessary to incorporate the chain’s look into the building. The development manager testified that the company was attracted to the space for its unique layout, the quality of other stores in the area, the character of the building and the square footage (provided that the basement is able to be partially used for retail). He said the company aims to maintain the general style of the building, though certain “brand-appropriate changes” would be necessary. The store design manager testified that the exterior of the building would mostly stay the same. The paint would be reapplied and most windows would remain where they are. However, the windows to the side of the entrance would be moved down to eye-level to allow for displays that can be seen by those passing by.  

In addition to the variance related to use of the basement, the applicant is also seeking a number of sign-related variances, including one for the use of a barricade sign to be displayed during construction.

It is unknown at this time when the store will be open for business. In an unscientific , readers 48 percent of voters said they are looking forward to the store setting up shop in town.