The Arrival of Big-Name Stores in Springfield - A Retail Game Changer

Construction and Excitement

Springfield City Councilor Zaida Govan expressed her growing excitement as construction at the new site has picked up pace. She believes that in the coming year, we'll start seeing buildings take shape, which is truly exciting. The developers of Springfield Crossing are still working out the legalities, but four businesses that are a sure bet to open in the new shopping center are BJs, Target, Chick-Fil-A, and PetSmart.

For locals like Kathy Bars, who lives just three miles away and has been coming to the Eastfield Mall for 40 years, this news is bittersweet. The mall has been a go-to place with something for everyone. Her daughter loved it too. While it's hard to say goodbye to an old favorite, she understands the need for change. There's currently nothing else in the area that can fulfill the same needs.

Housing and Community Impact

One of the original promises at the Springfield Crossing site was more mixed income and affordable housing. However, Councilor Govan said that this is likely not going to happen in 2025. There may have been some backlash from the residents, but we are in the midst of a housing crisis and need more housing options. Govan herself wouldn't mind having some housing nearby.

While some are excited about the new shopping center, others shared their disappointment. Kathy Bars emphasized that Springfield needs housing for all groups of people. When different groups come together in a community, they strengthen each other and add to the community's viability. It's a crucial aspect that we need to consider.

Project Timeline

Construction is set to wrap up by fall of 2025. We reached out to the developers for comment, but have not yet received a response. This gives us a clear timeline to look forward to and anticipate the arrival of these big-name stores and the changes they will bring to the Springfield retail landscape.