Strong Tenant Interest In The Shops At Nanuet

The Shops at Nanuet General Manager Ryan Hidalgo spoke to 40 plus members and guests at the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce on Thursday about the project replacing the Nanuet Mall.  Hidalgo, who also manages The Galleria at White Plains and Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown Heights, described The Shops as “transformational.”

He said almost all the space in the approximately 800,000 square foot center is taken and “with very few exceptions every space is spoken for.” When asked for more detail about tenants, he said a major announcement was expected in the next 30 to 60 days about the first wave of tenants. Construction is “100 percent” on schedule and the grand opening weekend will take place in October although an exact date is not being released.

“It’s going to be a place you want to go and spend time,” promised Hidalgo, who went to the Nanuet Mall when he was growing up. “It’s going to be eclectic and different.”

Hidalgo said there will be a pedestrian plaza with water features and areas where people can decompress and relax. He told the group that the retail mix was bringing in stores new to this market. Hidalgo said Simon Properties, which bought the Nanuet Mall in 1998, believes in strong connections with the local community. 

We are really very highly intensive with grassroots events,” said Hidalgo who has Rockland County roots. “We really focus on bringing in that local element.”

He spoke about high school chorus groups performing as an example. 

The main anchors will be the existing department stores Macy's and Sears and the under-construction Fairway Market. Regal Movie Cinemas and planned fitness center are considered as junior anchors and will be joined by 30 to 50 retail stores that Hidalgo described as unique and providing everything from necessities to niceties.

When questioned about The Shops at Nanuet’s effect on Route 59, Hidalgo, who has Rockland County roots, said traffic studies were conducted.   Once the center is fully open and operating, the traffic situation will be looked at. Another attendee asked whether Sears and Macy were required to do “facelifts” on their buildings.

Hidalgo, who graduated from Albertus Magnus High School and St. Thomas Acquinas College, said the buildings were owned by the parent companies of the stores and not by Simon.  He pointed out Macy had painted and power washed the exterior and was redoing its entrances. He said Sears was going to some work but nothing was official. 

The chamber’s Spring Networking Event took place at Jimmy’s On Main.