Council to get update on Montclair Plaza remodeling effort

MONTCLAIR -- While the 40-year-old Montclair Plaza has gone through an interior remodeling, it is no secret that the exterior of the property needs a new look.

It's something city and mall officials have been discussing, including the restoration of the mall's east side - where the old Broadway building now sits empty - with the creation of a mixed-use development.

City officials may know the fate of any future lifestyle expansion within the next month, as they requested a workshop with the leasing company.

"The (leasing group) has shown interest in bringing change to Montclair Plaza and it appears this year they are ready to begin that process," Councilman John Dutrey said.

Cushman & Wakefield is managing Montclair Plaza for a group of lenders led by CWCapital Asset Management. Spinoso Real Estate Group based in Syracuse, N.Y. is overseeing the leasing for the east side of the mall, said Steve Lustro, director of the city's community development department.

The leasing group is considering a combination of retail and restaurants uses that would fit in the mall. There is also the possibility of tearing down the old building and creating an exterior "lifestyle" component, Lustro said.

The shopping center has four anchor tenants: Nordstrom, Macy's, J.C. Penney and Sears.

The mall's fifth anchor was Broadway, which vanished from the mall in 2007 after its parent company merged with Macy's ownership.

The last major exterior renovation at Montclair Plaza occurred in 1986, Councilman John Dutrey said.

"Montclair Plaza is an important destination to our region," Dutrey said. "My plan has always been to make sure it remains very competitive and appealing that the public wants to shop there. "

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Council to get update on Montclair Plaza remodeling effort