Positioned near the Nassau-Suffolk border, Huntington serves one of the most affluent submarkets in New York, with 76,774 residents within three miles and an average household income of $189,000. But as retail evolved, so did the needs of this community—presenting an opportunity to reimagine the center’s future.
When legacy tenants vacated in 2021, Federal Realty took a long-term approach: rather than simply backfilling space, we invested $83 million to reposition Huntington as the premier open-air center in the trade area.
Reinventing for Today—and Tomorrow
Huntington Shopping Center’s high-density location and Long Island’s constrained real estate market create strong barriers to entry—making this a rare opportunity to enhance an already well-trafficked destination. The plan? Expand, modernize, and curate a retail mix that reflects today’s shopping, dining, and lifestyle preferences.
- Whole Foods Market signed on early as a key anchor, addressing a gap in the market and setting the tone for a refreshed tenant lineup.
- New additions, including REI, Williams-Sonoma, Burger Village, and J.Crew Factory, joined an already strong mix with Ulta, PetSmart, and Michaels.
- A multi-phased redevelopment transformed a vintage two-story structure into a reoriented, pedestrian-friendly layout with enhanced visibility and access along Route 110.
“This project wasn’t just about filling vacancies—it was about thinking ahead to what this community will need five, ten, even twenty years from now,” said Mark Brennan, Vice President of Regional Development. “By reimagining the center with a modern tenant mix, pedestrian-friendly design, and community spaces, we’ve positioned Huntington Shopping Center as a destination that will stand the test of time—one that has already generated $30 million in incremental value through strategic repositioning and demand-driven leasing.”
The results are already paying off: December 2024 foot traffic was up nearly 77% from already productive pre-construction levels in December 2021, according to Placer.ai.
Elevated Experience, Seamless Execution
With a focus on design and functionality, Federal Realty led the redevelopment to enhance walkability, integrate gathering spaces, and elevate the overall shopping experience. New courtyards, outdoor dining, and warm, natural architectural elements bring a modern, welcoming feel—creating a true town square atmosphere.
Despite ongoing construction, the center remained operational throughout the redevelopment, minimizing disruption for both tenants and shoppers.
A Destination Reimagined
More than just a redevelopment, Huntington Shopping Center’s transformation has delivered measurable results. Foot traffic is now significantly outpacing pre-redevelopment levels, reinforcing the demand for high-quality retail experiences in this affluent market.
This performance affirms Federal Realty’s strategy—investing in high-barrier markets where reinvention drives long-term value. With an upgraded tenant mix, a more engaging environment, and a proven ability to draw visitors, Huntington Shopping Center is now a stronger, more vibrant destination than ever before.
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