6-05-2025 4:20am

THE OVERHAUL

Mixed-use developer lays out vision for the future of Harford Mall

BEL AIR, Md. — Mixed-use development company, SJC Ventures, laid out its vision for the future of the Harford Mall site to economic development leaders. Jeff Garrison, principal of the company, unveiled plans for an 83,000-square foot center, located at the intersections of Veterans Memorial Highway, Baltimore Pike and North Tollgate Road. The $100 million center will be anchored by a large, high-end organic 35,000-square-foot grocery store, and complemented by 48,000 square feet of luxury boutiques, restaurants, shops and amenities to replace the former Macy’s department store.

“Harford Mall has been a staple in the Bel Air community for more than 50 years. Over the last several years, as the retail industry has evolved, we’ve been working to position the property for the future,” said Jon Meshel, senior vice president – redevelopment, CBL Properties. “Our partnership with SJC presents us with an unparalleled opportunity to redevelop the former Macy’s parcel into an open-air shopping center anchored by one of the country’s leading organic grocers. This new development will complement SJC’s project on the former Sears parcel on the southwest side of the campus as well as the multifamily development adjacent to the former Sears. As the owner of Harford Mall, we could not imagine a higher and better use for the former Macy’s parcel, and we look forward to working with SJC as they move forward with this project.”

SJC Ventures presented its proposal to those in attendance at the Bel Air Economic and Community Development Commission meeting on Thursday, May 15, including Harford County Economic Development staff.

“The Harford Mall property sits at an integral intersection of Routes 1 and 24 in Bel Air and has served our community well for many years. As malls have changed across the country, we are grateful to CBL Properties for their continued commitment to Bel Air and the investment they are making, along with SJC Ventures, to transform the Macy’s portion of the property into a lifestyle center that will create additional connectivity and vibrancy along this corridor,” said Angela Robertson, director of economic development for the Town of Bel Air. “We look forward to seeing the vision of SJC Ventures come to life in Phase 3 of this redevelopment project, which will create new jobs, enhance our community, attract additional investment, and bring new opportunities for up-scale shopping and dining to our Bel Air residents.”

SJC Ventures specializes in these types of properties and has developed several activated and connected mixed-use centers across the country. The company is currently working on similar projects that are highlighted on its website.

If approved, SJC Ventures plans to incorporate pedestrian walkways that will allow for greater connectivity in the space, forming a large mixed-use complex for residents and visitors that will feature pocket parks, open space, as well as multiple dining, shopping and entertainment options. The enhanced pedestrian and vehicular connectivity, with the creation of an access drive between Baltimore Pike and Boulton Street, will make shopping more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a vibrant community hub.

“We see this project as a game changer for the region and a huge community asset whereas the best-in-class organic grocer will be a catalyst to create new energy that will attract first to market retailers and restaurants at this prime location,” said Garrison. “We envision a transformational project that will solidify Harford County as a market for positive future growth, will revitalize the space to create an atmosphere of vitality and connection and be a centerpiece the community can be proud of.”