Construction Underway at Deerbrook

Work is underway on a new Starbucks and Subway at Deerbrook Mall in a project which will house other merchants near Chase Bank while shopping center ownership continues to negotiate with larger tenants about a comprehensive renovation plan.

More than 18 months ago, mall owner disclosed plans to eliminate the existing mall space, build a new store for Jewel where Best Buy once was and move TJ Maxx into renovated space currently occupied by Jewel.

That plan was tabled just over a year ago when Jewel’s parent company was trying to sell the chain of stores. In May, representatives of the shopping center gained approval for new construction containing Starbucks and Subway. It is progressing on schedule, according to Mike Nigro, a person affiliated with the project.

At this point negotiations continue with Jewel and other tenants. “We continue our discussions with Jewel over what the final plan is,” Nigro said. TJ Maxx created more uncertainty when it refused to say Tuesday it would be part of Deerbrook’s future.

“T.J. Maxx has not made any announcements regarding our Deerfield store,” company Vice President for Corporate Communications Colleen Beauregard said in an email. When pressed, she would not confirm the store would remain open.

Nigro put the burden on the fashion retailer when asked. “You’ll have to ask them,” he said. He also insists the project will go forward. “Our Plan is still to do something bigger,” he said after talking about the new Starbucks building.

Earlier this week, Deerfield Village Manager Kent Street said Mayor Harriet Rosenthal is in regular communication with representatives of Deerbrook.

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