Monmouth Mall Transforms into Open-Air Monmouth Square: New Era of Shopping Begins

The Monmouth Mall will slash its retail space by 40% as it transforms into an open-air destination called Monmouth Square, with completion expected by late 2026. Major demolition kicks off next fall, marking a new chapter for the shopping center that's been around for more than 60 years. The mall's story began in 1960 as an open-air shopping center with separate buildings. It wasn't until 1975 that it became the enclosed mall we see today. The redesign will tear down the enclosed sections for an open concept. The space will blend medical offices with residential units and retail shops, connected by walking paths and green spaces. Whole Foods will anchor the new development as the main retailer, while BOND RP is currently hunting for other stores to join the lineup. “At Monmouth Square, we are assembling a tenant mix that responds to the changing preferences of today's consumers while enhancing the quality and variety of offerings for the area,” Nicole Kushner Meyer, president of Kushner Cos. said to app.com. Throughout its history, the mall hosted everything from political gatherings to concerts. On opening day, they buried a time capsule with local news stories, now lost after years of renovations. It once stood as New Jersey's biggest mall. Several anchor stores, Barnes & Noble, AMC, Macy's, and Boscov's, will stay open during construction. The switch to a community hub reflects changing shopping trends, as people now prefer spaces that mix retail, housing, and outdoor areas rather than traditional enclosed malls.