Roosevelt Field to undergo renovations

Roosevelt Field Mall is expected to undergo renovations starting in early 2013 if the Town of Hempstead approves submitted plans, General Manager Nadine Nakamura says.

At a community meeting hosted by the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations and the Community Association of Stewart Avenue at the East Meadow Public Library on April 25, Nakamura said that if plans are approved, the mall will acquire a Neiman Marcus by 2015, will replace the food court with more shops and open a food pavilion closer to Dick’s Sporting Goods, where the carousel used to stand.

To kick off the project, three restaurants will be added by the end of 2012, including Season 52, a grill and wine bar offering a seasonal menu, the Capital Grille, a high-end steak and seafood restaurant, and Havana Central, which offers classic Cuban food.

The mall was originally build in 1956 and was renovated in 1993 and 1998, but Nakamura said, “We’re sorely due for an upgrade, and in order to bring us into the next 50 years, that’s what we’re hoping to do with this project.”

With town approval, Neiman Marcus will have its own wing near Macy’s.

The alterations are expected to cost more than $250 million, but will be fully financed by Simon Property Group, which owns Roosevelt Field. Nakamura said that no taxpayer money would be involved.

“We are very excited to add the premier luxury department store Neiman Marcus to Roosevelt Field, which is already one of the most successful retail shopping destinations in the country,” said David Simon, chairman and chief executive officer of Simon Property Group, in a statement. “Neiman Marcus will be an impressive complement to our existing roster of more than 270 retailers and will further enhance our ability to provide shoppers with the highest quality and selection of goods that they have come to expect and enjoy at Roosevelt Field.”

Additionally, the upgraded food pavilion will provide seating for 1,200 customers who are looking for fast, casual meals.

“Everything will be touched,” added Nakamura. New finishes, storefronts and skylights will be incorporated into the design to make the mall a more customer-friendly environment.

Concerns posed by community members in attendance were traffic and parking-related. Nakamura explained that these were valid questions, since more than 2,000 cars travel the area per day, but a traffic study is currently under way and parking will be assessed as well. She added that parking structures would also receive attractive upgrades that will make it easier to find one’s car.

Once complete, the traffic study will be submitted to the town and Nassau County for review.

To align itself with the new, upscale mall, AMC is planning to upgrade its theaters as well. Nakamura said the proposal includes plush rocking seats and full dining amenities.