Peeking out from Loudoun County, Dulles Town Center stands as more than just a shopping destination. It is a central hub within a census-designated place.
Dulles Town Center is conveniently located five miles north of Washington Dulles International Airport. This makes it easily accessible to both locals and travelers.
Approved in December 1987, Loudoun County officials envisioned the area’s first regional shopping mall. Initially dubbed “Windmill Regional Shopping Center” its name evolved to Dulles Town Center a year later.
However construction faced delays due to a nationwide recession. Construction finally commenced in 1996 with the aim of opening in spring 1998. Further delays pushed the opening to November 1998. Hecht’s and Lord & Taylor opened first. JCPenney and Sears followed in late spring 1999. The grand opening of Dulles Town Center finally took place on August 12 1999.
An additional wing materialized in 2002. Nordstrom anchored it together with a two-level corridor of diverse stores. Around the same time an Edwards Cinema was proposed. LA Fitness and a relocated Dick’s Sporting Goods later occupied this space.
An office building was added to the Sears wing. However it was later razed for a Regal Cinemas Multiplex. In 2006 Hecht’s stores became Macy’s after a buyout.
The early 2020s brought changes. Digital retailers encroached traditional department stores who updated their brick-and-mortar formats. Nordstrom closed its anchor store on June 30 2017. In August 2020 Lord & Taylor announced nationwide closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sears closed its anchor store on February 2 2021.
Centennial announced an expansion plan in November 2020. New retail space a hotel apartments a high-end grocery retailer and green space were planned. In November 2022 nine new tenants were announced. Three were temporary holiday pop-up retailers.
Srinivas Chavali purchased the Dulles Town Center mall for $46 million in December 2023.
Currently Dulles Town Center boasts JCPenney Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods as anchors. Former anchors include Hecht’s Nordstrom Lord & Taylor and Sears.
The mall features a food court on the upper level. Here you can find numerous fast-food restaurants. The backside of the mall has several national chain restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory stands prominently at the front center entrance of Dulles Town Center.
Dulles Town Center continues to evolve. It adapts to changing times while remaining a vital part of the community.