Square One Mall: How a Town Farm Became a Retail Landmark
Square One Mall sits prominently along U.S. Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts, occupying land that once served as the town farm. In 1955, brothers Alan and Milton Green purchased the property with ambitions to create a major retail destination. Their vision became reality in 1961 with the opening of the New England Shopping Center, a large open-air complex anchored by stores such as W. T. Grant, Touraine’s, and an especially notable Sears—the largest in New England at the time.
Redevelopment into an Enclosed Mall
By the 1980s, changing retail trends prompted a new chapter for the site. The property was acquired by Stephen R. Karp’s New England Development Corporation, which proposed transforming the aging shopping center into a modern enclosed mall. Financial hurdles delayed progress, but once funding was secured, construction began in 1993. The redevelopment was distinctive in that it incorporated the original Sears building, a feature still visible today through contrasting construction materials. Square One Mall officially opened on August 17, 1994, with major anchors including Sears, Filene’s, Service Merchandise, Filene’s Basement, and Lechmere.
Following its opening, Square One Mall experienced steady tenant changes reflecting broader retail trends. TJ Maxx replaced Lechmere in 1998, and Best Buy later took over the former Service Merchandise location. Dick’s Sporting Goods joined the mall in 2004, strengthening its lineup of national retailers. Ownership also shifted in 1999 when Simon Property Group acquired Square One Mall as part of a large portfolio purchase.
Recent Transitions
The most significant recent change involved Sears, a long-standing presence on the site. After downsizing in 2017, the store ultimately closed in September 2020, marking the end of an era. Today, Square One Mall is filled with shoppers and a mix of chain stores and unique, local businesses. It seemed to be quite busy during the holiday season of 2025, hopefully signifying that it will continue to thrive in years to come.
Matthew Christopher MA Saugus Feb 09, 2026 Malls Places to Visit Retail Stores
Feb 09, 2026
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