Sale of Neshaminy Mall

Big things are planned for the former Neshaminy Mall property, which should bring a boost of energy, vitality, and business opportunities to this prime spot in Bensalem. Built in the 1960s, Neshaminy Mall was one of the most important malls in the northeast, with waiting lists even for major retailers. However, the rise of internet shopping has forced many malls to reinvent themselves. Now is the Neshaminy Mall’s opportunity. 

The property was jointly purchased on July 15 for $27.5 million by Edgewood Properties and Paramount Realty, a national retail development company with strong ties to Bensalem. They own and manage several other shopping centers in our area, including the Marketplace at Neshaminy across from the mall and the Lincoln Plaza Shopping Center on Lincoln Highway/Route 1 in Middletown. It recently acquired the old Woodhaven Mall site at the Philadelphia/Bensalem border. The BEDC has worked with Paramount in the past and we are already in conversation with them, Edgewood, and other community leaders to ensure that the development of the space will benefit the residents of Bensalem and infuse our region with increased economic success. 

The future of Neshaminy Mall

The property’s location at the intersection of the PA Turnpike and Route 1 is ideal for mixed-use development. Some old favorites will remain, while new opportunities will abound.

Though Macy’s left the mall in 2017 and Sears in 2018, Boscov’s department store, Barnes & Noble, and the multi-screened AMC Theater remained as major anchors, as well as Uno Chicago Grill and On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina in the mall lot. According to Paramount, these shops intend to stay. 

The former Macy’s property had been sold after the department store left, but it has remained empty. That property was recently purchased by Fusion Gyms and its founder and CEO, Tony Chowdhury, plans to develop it as a beacon of “affordable luxury” for fitness and fun. Fusion Gyms offers more than just a place to work out. Besides state-of-the-art fitness equipment, Chowdhury envisions a 9-hole golf course, pickleball courts, a swimming pool, barber shops, restaurants, and other retail spaces, all under one roof. His plans include a 250,000-square-foot facility inside and 100,000 square feet outside, hoping to give the region a “shot in the arm.” 

The property jointly purchased by Edgewood and Paramount includes a 1,050,000-square-foot mall and 108 acres, which offers the partnership ample opportunities. The current mall, besides Boscov’s and the AMC, is only 20% occupied. The plan will be to demolish that portion in order to make room for other development opportunities in medical, office, and/or retail space.

As with all the business ventures in Bensalem, both large and small, we at BEDC look forward to working with their team to ensure success.