There was a sense of heartache and sorrow for many in our area as residents were informed of the news: the White Plains’ Galleria Mall is closing. More than just an atmosphere of friendly shopping, the mall is home to memories community members have cherished from childhood to adulthood. Though the announcement was foreseeable due to increased retail competition, it was still a tough pill to swallow for many.
The Galleria Mall was a local hangout and haven for an afternoon of shopping and smiling. Some believe that if you didn’t spend your days there making timeless memories with friends, you were simply doing it wrong. Chappaqua resident Amy Rinzler reminisces, “I grew up in Southern Westchester and have fond memories of going to the Galleria as a teenager. My friends and I would take the bus down Central Avenue and spend the day shopping and hanging out – it was the first place I think we were all allowed to go by ourselves and so will always be such a special memory for me.”
Rinzler further comments on her reaction to the news of the closing: “I was not surprised to hear that it was closing – there has been so much growth over recent years in downtown White Plains, it seemed the closure was inevitable.”
The Galleria could not compete with neighboring stores and shopping spaces, ultimately leading to its closing. Due to the growing emptiness of anchor stores such as Macy’s, compounding vacancies, and declining sales, Pacific Retail Capital Partners, who owns the mall, was convinced that the closure was appropriate.
The businesses and stores within the Galleria such as IFix & Accessorize It and Luggage n’ More, now must relocate as a result of the closing. Pacific Retail Executive Vice President of Marketing Najla Kayyem says, “We’ll be closing the mall in March 2023 to prepare for the transformative redevelopment of the property. We understand the challenges this creates for tenants, and are committed to working with them to facilitate a smooth transition. Accordingly, we have offered to connect them with our leasing team regarding the potential to open in one of our other properties in the region.”
As the mall comes to a close, developers are trying to create something even better to replace it. In November 2022, Pacific Retailers announced that they would be collaborating with their partners SL Green Realty Corp. and The Cappelli Organization, in order to turn the Galleria into a dynamic mixed-use destination that better meets the needs of the community. A combination of retail spaces and apartments will be built to be eco-friendly by limiting the number of cars per resident, priced at both reduced rates and market rates.

Louis R. Capelli of the Cappelli Organization asserts in a press release issued regarding plans for The Galleria, “The reimagining of this property is integral to the dramatic transformation of downtown White Plains that is well underway. We are fortunate to be able to play a role in recreating the property with mixed uses which will link the city’s transit center with the Mamaroneck Avenue corridor.”
Redevelopment of the Galleria specifically will allow for White Plains and Westchester residents to see even bigger improvements, similar to Capelli’s construction of the City Center 20 years ago, as well as the 46-story Ritz-Carlton towers. Capelli’s experience in the development of these projects ensures that exciting things are in store for White Plains..
Even though the end to the Galleria Mall definitely came as a disappointment to many, these reimagined plans for the future of downtown White Plains open many new doors and opportunities. Members of the Westchester community may be leaving old memories behind, but that only leaves space for the new.