General Dynamics Electric Boat has acquired the Crystal Mall in Waterford, a move that signals the end of an era for the retail center and the beginning of a major regional employment hub. The company plans to transform the site into a facility for administrative, engineering, and training operations, expecting to base approximately 5,000 employees there.
Key Takeaways
- General Dynamics Electric Boat has purchased the Crystal Mall in Waterford, excluding the Sears property.
- The company will redevelop the site into an office complex for engineering, research, and administrative staff.
- The project is expected to house around 5,000 jobs, including new positions.
- Current mall tenants will need to relocate as the facility is scheduled to close for conversion by mid-2026.
A New Chapter for a Community Staple
The Crystal Mall, a fixture in southeastern Connecticut since it opened in 1984, will be closing its doors to shoppers. For years, the mall has faced a decline in tenancy, with many storefronts sitting empty—a trend accelerated by the pandemic.
The acquisition by Electric Boat marks a significant shift for the large property. Instead of retail, the space will be repurposed to support the nation's defense industry. Mark Rayha, President of General Dynamics Electric Boat, confirmed the company's new ownership of what he called the "mall proper."
"This will allow us to pull the administrative functions and consolidate them in this location," Rayha stated during the announcement.
This redevelopment aims to breathe new economic life into a property that has struggled to maintain its original purpose, providing a new, stable future for the site.
From Retail Center to Defense Hub
The decline of traditional shopping malls is a nationwide trend. The conversion of the Crystal Mall into a corporate facility reflects a broader movement of adapting large, underutilized retail spaces for new economic uses, such as logistics, housing, and, in this case, specialized corporate operations.
Strategic Expansion for Submarine Production
The primary driver behind the purchase is Electric Boat's need for more space at its Groton shipyard. The company is a key contractor for the U.S. Navy, responsible for building nuclear-powered submarines.
By moving thousands of office-based employees to the repurposed Waterford mall, Electric Boat can free up critical waterfront space in Groton. This will allow for the expansion of manufacturing and production facilities needed to meet increasing demands from the U.S. Navy and its allies.
Congressman Joe Courtney highlighted the strategic importance of the move. "It solves so many problems for what is going to be a huge era in terms of the industrial base growing," he said, emphasizing the project's role in national security.
5,000 Jobs: The new facility is projected to house a workforce of approximately 5,000, including engineers, research and development teams, and training personnel. Some of these will be newly created positions.
Impact on Local Businesses and Community
While local leaders celebrated the long-term economic benefits, the announcement created uncertainty for the mall's remaining tenants. Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule acknowledged the challenge facing these businesses. "I am very conscious and very sensitive to the business owners," Brule said.
Some of these business owners attended the press conference to learn their fate. Aed Powell of "The Toy Vault," a store with a loyal customer base, expressed his disappointment. "By mid-26, hey we have to move, or we have to close, it’s a real kick in the gut," he commented.
However, Powell noted that after he voiced his concerns, local business leaders approached him with offers of assistance, providing a small measure of optimism. "It’s not a sigh of relief because we have to figure out where we are going, but it's helpful," he added.
For community members who used the mall for recreation, the news was bittersweet. Stacey, a Groton resident who walks the mall corridors regularly, shared her feelings. "I think it’s good for the area, it’s sad for us," she said, reflecting a common sentiment of nostalgia mixed with acceptance of the change.
Looking Ahead: Timeline and Transition
The transition from a retail mall to a corporate campus will not be immediate. Electric Boat has laid out a multi-year timeline for the project.
Projected Timeline
- Current Phase: Acquisition complete. Planning for redevelopment is underway.
- Mid-2026: The mall is expected to be fully vacated by current tenants to allow for construction to begin.
- 2027: The company hopes to have the new facility operational and begin moving employees to the Waterford site.
This timeline gives remaining businesses approximately two years to find new locations. Local officials have expressed a commitment to helping these businesses navigate the transition as the region prepares for a major economic shift centered on the former Crystal Mall.