“Another shop? Really?” I hear you ask. But trust me the story of Brinkerhoff Mall is more interesting than you think. Let’s discover why this isn’t just another shopping destination.
Brinkerhoff Mall is not just a mall. It’s a central point in Staten Island. Opened in 1973 the mall has become a significant part of the community. It stands as the only indoor shopping mall in the borough.
Before the mall existed the Staten Island Airport occupied this land from 1941. The site was sold in 1955. The initial plan was for a shopping and amusement center named the Staten Island Center.
In 1964 announcements revealed that Macy’s and Abraham & Straus would establish stores there. Construction began in 1970. The grand opening took place on August 9 1973. At that time Macy’s and Sears were the first stores to open.
Feist and Feist Realty Corp developed the shopping center. The Rouse Company acquired it in 1980. Rouse remodeled the mall. They removed small shops in the center court known as the Honeycomb. Escalators and fountains were added.
A major renovation and expansion occurred in 1993. This included the addition of the JCPenney wing. JCPenney moved from its previous location at Forest Avenue Shoppers Town. Initially the mall was a two-story building shaped like a T.
The mid-2010s brought higher-end shops like Michael Kors Pandora and Armani Exchange. By 2011 numerous brands updated their looks while new tenants arrived. This revitalized the mall’s image.
Between 2016 and 2019 the mall expanded by 242000 square feet. New retailers joined including Zara Ulta Beauty Dave & Buster’s Barnes & Noble Lidl and AMC Theatres. The food court relocated to the new area and was renamed the Food District.
Primark opened one of its first American locations here on March 15 2017. Sears closed but The Container Store opened on an out parcel. In 2022 a Krispy Kreme outparcel opened near the mall’s main entrance. It was the first Krispy Kreme on the island.
By 2023 Staten Island Mall announced several additions. These included Newbury Comics Miniso Charlotte Russe Sugar Bear Hobby Lobby and Rainbow. In April 2024 Uniqlo announced its return to Staten Island after 10 years. In October 2024 Brookfield Properties revealed plans to add 41000 square feet to the mall.
With about 200 stores the Staten Island Mall employs approximately 3000 people. Anchor tenants now include JCPenney Macy’s Lidl and Primark. The Food District features Dave and Buster’s and an AMC Theatres dine-in cinema.
Getting here is easy. Numerous local select and express buses serve the mall. These routes connect the mall to various parts of Staten Island and beyond.
Brinkerhoff Mall has grown and changed over the years. Today it is the second largest shopping center in New York City. It remains a vital hub for shopping dining and entertainment.