The Demoulas Family, who own the Mystic Mall, are moving forward with expansion plans for the property. City Manager Jay Ash noted that the Demoulas Family is progressing faster than anticipated in developing their vision for the mall. This became apparent at a recent meeting of the Mystic Mall Development Team, which includes the Demoulas, the Planning Board, the Traffic Commission, City Manager Ash and Councillor Calvin Brown. During the gathering, the Demoulas Family discussed their long-term aspirations for the mall and addressed near-term proposals for the city regarding partial demolition of the vacant former Market Basket location. The site could potentially host an AJ Wright retail store along with various food and retail businesses, pending city approval. According to City Manager Ash, the family will submit their formal plans to the city by the end of May. Looking ahead, the Demoulas appear interested in a more substantial development that would incorporate office space and residential units in a balanced arrangement, with ground-floor retail components. One particularly noteworthy proposal under consideration involves relocating the commuter rail station from its current downtown location to the Mystic Mall site, with parking facilities designed to encourage residential development. Planners suggest that additional housing could become viable if the Boston rail connection were situated at the mall. “They are doing much more than simply thinking about the future,” said Ash, noting that much of this strategic planning has occurred at senior levels within the Demoulas organization. The family’s newly opened flagship grocery store continues to set sales and revenue records. The store draws substantial customer traffic from throughout the region, including shoppers from Chelsea, East Boston, Everett and Revere.
Demoulas ready to expand
