Taubman Centers Inc. (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) has announced renovation plans for its 855,000-square-foot Stamford (Conn.) Town Center. The plans include transforming the 160,000-square-foot area once occupied by Filene’s into new retail options, better interfacing with pedestrian traffic.
“Stamford Town Center was originally designed in the 1980s to be attached to a planned skywalk system,” said Michael McAndrews, the center’s general manager. “Therefore, its traffic orientation was on the second level. This is a marvelous opportunity to open up the center and to add to the energy downtown.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2006, with a 2007 anticipated completion. The former Filene’s building will be demolished to make way for a mix of retail uses. Plans for the new retail mix are still under discussion.
“Retailer reactions have been extremely favorable,” said Steve Kieras, Taubman’s senior vp, development, “and our proposal was well received during a recent review by the city. We look forward to continuing our discussions at the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) convention in Las Vegas in May and anticipate additional announcements in the coming months.”
Stamford Town Center is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s, plus 130 other stores.