Tysons Corner Center unveils plans for $100M redevelopment

Major changes are on the horizon for Tysons Corner Center — the largest shopping mall in the Washington, D.C., area.

In a May presentation to investors, California-based real estate investment trust Macerich, the owner of the 1.8 million-square-foot mall in Fairfax County, announced plans for a “strategic redevelopment” of the mall to drive net operating income growth. The company calls for “reimagining the shopper experience” at the west end of the mall, from the Bloomingdale’s to the Macy’s, into “a vibrant and walkable retail, dining and entertainment district, anchored by upscale dining and a luxury market.”

Macerich says it is in the process of investing $100 million in enhancements to the mall, including $66 million in retailer investments for store upgrades and new designs, including a redesigned Apple store. Apple’s first retail store completed a relocation and expansion at Tysons Corner Center in 2023.

In addition to the retailer investments, Macerich says it is adding $45 million in mall improvements.

However, the upgrades may result in the removal or relocation of the American Girl. A rendering in the investor presentation shows the exterior of the American Girl store’s existing space in the mall being labeled as “Before.” A rendering labeled “West End Future” shows the exact same space, redeveloped with new dining options, but with the removal of the American Girl store. In its place, the word “Market” appears where the American Girl logo used to be.

American Girl opened the two-level, 23,000-foot-store at the mall in 2011. The Tysons location is one of seven American Girl stores in the country.

A Macerich spokesperson declined to provide additional information beyond what was already shared in the investor presentation. American Girl did not return requests for comment.

Tysons Corner Center opened in 1968 and today has more than 300 retailers. Macerich has owned it since 2005.

Macerich reported a net loss of $197 million in 2024, of which $194 million was attributable to the company. This was an improvement the previous year’s net loss of $278 million, of which $274 million was attributable to the company.