Opened in 1968 Westfield Montgomery Mall wasn’t always the polished shopping destination we see today. It began as a joint venture between The May Department Stores Company and Strouse Greenberg & Co. Imagine bustling crowds flocking to Hecht’s Garfinckel’s and Sears the original anchor stores. Fifty-eight smaller shops completed the scene. The mall’s logo? An owl-shaped “M”.
Westfield Montgomery Mall has seen dramatic changes over the decades. A mid-1970s expansion added Woodward & Lothrop a huge boost to the mall’s retail space. Then came a 1991 renovation. Gone were the fountains replaced by more kiosks and seating areas. A glass elevator was added although it was later removed in 2013. The grand reopening featured a concert by Tony Bennett a memorable event for many shoppers.
The mall’s evolution continued. A major expansion in the late 1990s brought Maryland’s first Nordstrom store. Crate & Barrel also joined the lineup making Westfield Montgomery Mall even more appealing. Westfield Montgomery Mall is more than just shopping. It’s a place where history unfolded. In 2016 a shooting in the parking lot cast a shadow over the mall. More recently the closure of the Arclight Cinemas due to the COVID-19 pandemic marked another chapter in the mall’s story.
Today Westfield Montgomery Mall stands as a testament to resilience and adaptation. With Macy’s Nordstrom and other specialty brands like Fabletics and Madewell it continues to thrive. The Boulevard Cafes food court offers a range of dining choices. Convenient public transit access via Ride On and Metrobus makes visiting a breeze. The former Sears now transformed into an open-air mixed-use center represents another phase in Westfield Montgomery Mall’s continuing evolution. This shopping center continues to evolve. Westfield Montgomery Mall’s journey shows how shopping malls adapt and remain relevant. It’s a story of expansion renovation and enduring appeal.