The owner of the Shops at Riverside is using the departure of a longtime tenant as an opportunity to redevelop the mall.
HACKENSACK -- The owner of the Shops at Riverside is using the departure of a longtime tenant as an opportunity to redevelop the mall.
Simon Property Group outlined its plans Wednesday for the 110,000-square-foot void left after Saks Fifth Avenue closed its doors at the end of 2014.
The mall plans to open a collection of 25 luxury stores, two new restaurants and a 40,000-square-foot movie theater over the next two years. Simon is aiming for a high-end look for the new wing of stores, to be known as "The Collection at Riverside," with 25-foot glass skylights.
The new section will also have its own valet area and concierge service for shoppers.
"The chance to get 110,000 square feet back is an opportunity that doesn't come along too often, Les Morris, a spokesman for Simon, said.
MORE: Saks Fifth Avenue to close store in Shops at Riverside in Hackensack
The Shops at Riverside already had a high-end bent, with luxury brands like Louis Vitton, Burberrry and Tiffany & Co. But it has lost a pair of tenants to American Dream, with Saks and Hermes announcing plans to open at the long-delayed mall.
The mall has a long history in Bergen County, having first opened in 1977. The "Collection" is expected to open before the 2016 holiday season, Morris said. The movie theater should open the following year. He declined to say how much construction would cost, expect to say it would be a multimillion dollar project.
"The Bergen County customer likes a place where they can quickly get access to unparalleled store selection," Morris said. "I think this will set the bar high for that."
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
