WATERBURY SCOOP: Brass Mill Center Update

Let's do a check in on Waterbury's Brass Mill Center!

The mall is located at 495 Union Street in Waterbury, directly off I-84. The mall was opened in 1997 with Filenes, JC Penney, and Sears as the original anchor tenants, a Lechmere was planned to open as the fourth anchor but never did due to their closure. A 12-screen Regal Cinemas operated on the third floor of the mall until 2022 when they closed their doors.

The Lechmere box was filled by Burlington Coat Factory and Steve & Barry’s. Filenes was converted into a Macy's; which closed in 2021. Macy's was replaced by an Ashley Furniture and small space available for lease. Sears closed in 2018 and remains vacant. Steve & Barry’s closed and was replaced by Shopper’s World. JC Penney and Burlington remain open.

The mall has struggled with tenancy; national chains continue to flee the mall due to dwindling foot traffic. Notable losses include Express, H&M, Champs, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret; most recently Rainbow, Pretzel Maker (both locations), Track23, Ardene, and Bath & Body Work will be moving out to a new location of Chase Avenue.

Brighter days may be ahead for the mall. Kohan Retail Investment Group purchased the mall in 2022 with plans to turn it around. The company has brought on a new management company to lease the mall, Godin Property Brokers, who are actively negotiating with new tenants for the mall. Another bright spot is the reopening of the movie theater under Apple Cinemas! The opening is planned for Friday! New tenants have/are moving in including Bagel Factory, Island Spice, and Lost Souls Collective. We hope to see them turn things around!

Do you think this mall can be turned around? Comment below!