Former Macy’s razed in preparation for redevelopment

Chestnut Hill, Mass. -- A 120,000-sq.-ft. former Macy’s building was demolished on Wednesday, as developer WS Development prepares the site for a second redevelopment phase of its Chestnut Hill (Mass.) Shopping Center.



The region’s oldest suburban mall will become home to a new generation of retailers, services and entertainment offerings, including a new 31,000-sq.-ft. Sports Club/LA health and fitness complex and a National Amusements’ theatre and restaurant facility.



The Phase II launch, which officially began on Wednesday, will bring a village-like streetscape to the center, as well as tree-shaded pedestrian walkways, outdoor dining, cafes and new buildings with glass facades overlooking Hammond Pond.



The architect is PCA (Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates) of Cambridge, who previously designed WS Development’s Legacy Place in Dedham.



Later this year, construction will begin on Phase III, which will include a new 64,000-sq.-ft., three-story building that is LEED certifiable and will include retail stores and restaurants, as well as WS Development’s new corporate headquarters.