Rochester outlet center adds Macy’s building

A mall-to-outlet center conversion underway in Rochester, New York, took a big step forward this week with the acquisition of a Macy’s building on the property.



Rochester-based Wilmorite is in the process of transforming its million-plus sq. ft. Marketplace Mall into Marketplace Outlets, which it foresees as a draw for shoppers from a 60-mile radius. Preliminary plans for the Macy’s building, which it purchased for an undisclosed amount, call for partial demolition of the front of the building to make way for two freestanding restaurants that will be flanked by retailers.



The mall-to-outlet plan was further advanced with announcements from Express and Ann Taylor Loft that they would convert their stores at the mall from full-price to outlet formats by this summer.



“These positive announcements further demonstrate the strength of the Marketplace location and the dynamic Rochester market,” said David Hinkle, principal of The Outlet Resource Group, which is advising Wilmorite on the project.



New York & Company Outlet, Aeropostale Factory, and Children’s Place Outlet are already open and operating at the center.