Are you curious about the history of Westfield Montgomery Mall? This shopping destination in Bethesda, Maryland has a rich story to tell, dating back to its opening in 1968.
Originally a joint venture between The May Department Stores Company and Strouse, Greenberg & Co., the mall has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of major tenants like Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Despite a shooting incident in 2016 and the closure of the Arclight Cinemas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westfield Montgomery Mall remains a popular shopping destination to this day.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the mall’s origins and ownership, as well as its evolution and expansion. We’ll also discuss some of the features and incidents that have shaped the mall over the years.
So sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the fascinating history of Westfield Montgomery Mall!
Origins and Ownership
You already know that Westfield Montgomery mall opened in 1968, but did you know that it’s currently owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SE? The mall’s origins date back to March 1968 when it first opened its doors to shoppers. It was a joint venture between The May Department Stores Company and Strouse, Greenberg & Co., and has since undergone multiple renovations and expansions.
The ownership history of the mall is interesting, as it has changed hands multiple times over the years. The joint venture between The May Department Stores Company and Strouse, Greenberg & Co. was the start of something great, and the mall has been a major attraction ever since.
Evolution and Expansion
Take a stroll through the Westfield Montgomery and witness the extensive expansion and evolution of the mall, from its original anchors to the addition of a new wing and major renovations.
The mall underwent an $89-million makeover in 2014, which included a facelift of the floors, brass railings, and removal of all the fountains.
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The expansion wing added the first Nordstrom in Maryland and the third in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and Crate & Barrel.
Although the mall has undergone significant changes, there are still future plans for expansion.
In September 2007, Montgomery County approved a plan to expand the mall by 360,000 square feet.
The former Sears store closed down in June 2018 and transformed into additional stores and an open-air mixed-use center.
The mall is constantly changing and evolving, with new brands and plans for expansion in the future.
Features and Incidents
Explore the unique features of this popular Maryland shopping destination, including a food court called Boulevard Cafes, specialty brands like Fabletics and Madewell, and public transit access via Ride On bus and Metrobus.
The Boulevard Cafes, located on the mall’s second level, offers a variety of food options for shoppers, including Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, and Panda Express. The food court also features a spacious seating area, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch.
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In addition to its food options, Westfield Montgomery also boasts a variety of retail brands, including Fabletics, Madewell, Vineyard Vines, and Untuckit. These specialty brands offer something for every shopper, from athleisure wear to preppy staples.
And with public transit access via Ride On bus and Metrobus, getting to and from the mall is a breeze. Whether you’re a local looking for a convenient shopping destination or a tourist exploring the area, Westfield Montgomery has something for everyone.