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Smith Haven Mall is set for a major transformation.
Simon Property Group Inc., the mall’s owner, has announced a multi-million dollar redevelopment project that will enhance both the interior and exterior of the Lake Grove mall.
The remodel will include an all-new green space, new retailers and restaurants, an enhanced facade, and upgraded amenities throughout the mall. The work is set to begin this summer and finish in 2026, according to Simon.
“Whether you’re one of our long-time shoppers or stopping by on your way out East, we eagerly await welcoming everyone to discover what’s new at Smith Haven Mall,” said Mathew Boals, general manager of Smith Haven Mall.
(Keep scrolling for nostalgic photos of the mall.)
Exterior upgrades
A new green outdoor plaza featuring fresh landscaping and outdoor seating is planned for the western side of the mall, according to the mall’s operator.
“Once complete, the park-like setting will be perfectly suited for visitors to meet, relax, and enjoy community gatherings,” reads a statement from the mall’s spokesperson.
Smith Haven’s exterior will also get a facelift, including a fresh coat of paint, new signage, and revitalized entryways.
Interior upgrades
Inside, the mall will undergo a full renovation featuring updated flooring, modern lighting, and other improvements, according to Simon. The central area, known as Center Court, will also be extensively revitalized.
Additionally, the food court will receive an upgrade, including new seating designed to create a more comfortable dining experience, according to Simon.
New retailers & restaurants
Photo courtesy of Zara’s Facebook
One of the biggest announcements is the arrival of Zara, the globally popular fashion retailer, which will open in 2026 near the center of the mall. This will be Zara’s easternmost location on Long Island, with the next closest store at Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station.
Sur La Table is also making a comeback. The kitchenware retailer, which previously operated at Smith Haven Mall, will return this fall. The store originally closed in 2020 after its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but following its acquisition by Marquee Brands and CSC Generation, Sur La Table has resumed expansion.
Several new restaurants have already debuted at the mall, including:
- Ford’s Garage, a Florida-based burger and brew concept, which opened in November.
- Kura Sushi, a revolving sushi concept, which took over the former California Pizza Kitchen space last summer.
Additionally, Golf Lounge 18, an indoor golf simulation venue with a bar, will open this March. Located next to The Cheesecake Factory and across from Dick’s Sporting Goods and White House Black Market, this will be the company’s first Long Island location and its ninth nationwide.
A comeback for Smith Haven
File photo of Stony Brook Medicine at Smith Haven Mall
Over the years, the mall has seen the closure of several major retailers, including JCPenney in 2019 and Sears in 2020, both of which were longtime anchors of the property.
In 2023, those large retail spaces have now been filled, with Stony Brook Medicine taking over the 170,000-square-foot Sears location and Primark filling part of the JCPenney store.
According to Newsday, the mall had an impressive 97.7% occupancy rate as of December 2023, per an annual report released last March.
“At Simon, we are committed to making significant investments across our portfolio to ensure that our centers continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences for today’s shoppers,” said Mark Silvestri, President of Development at Simon, which also operates Roosevelt Field and Walt Whitman Shops.
