It was the end of an era when the doors finally locked at 609 North Avenue. Honestly, for many of us in Union County, the Lord and Taylor Westfield location wasn't just a department store. It was a destination. You've probably got a memory of it—the signature cursive logo, the scent of high-end perfume near the entrance, and those specific, perfectly tailored dresses that seemed to define New Jersey suburban elegance for decades.
But things changed. Fast.
The building now sits as a quiet, white monolith near the train station, a ghost of the retail world. If you've driven past it lately, you've likely seen the fencing or the "One Westfield Place" signs. People keep asking: Is it ever coming back? What's actually going into that space? The reality is a bit more complicated than a simple "it's closed." It’s actually the center of a massive, multi-million dollar legal and architectural tug-of-war that is literally reshaping the future of downtown Westfield.
The Long History of Lord and Taylor Westfield
Most people don't realize that the building didn't even start as a Lord & Taylor. It opened back in 1963 as a Hahne & Company, another legendary Jersey brand. Lord & Taylor didn't actually take over the spot until 1988.
Because it was a standalone store and not attached to a massive mall—unlike the Lord & Taylor at Westfield Garden State Plaza—it felt intimate. It was "our" store. For over 30 years, it anchored the north side of the tracks, drawing people from Scotch Plains, Cranford, and beyond. When the parent company, Le Tote, filed for bankruptcy in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, the writing was on the wall. The Westfield location officially shuttered in early 2021.
One Westfield Place: The Plan for the Old Site
So, what happens to a 100,000-square-foot empty building in one of the most expensive towns in the state?
You don't just leave it there. HBC (Hudson’s Bay Company), which still owns the real estate, partnered with Streetworks Development to create One Westfield Place. This isn't just a renovation; it’s a total overhaul of the 14-acre area.
What the project actually includes:
- Adaptive Reuse: They aren't tearing the Lord and Taylor building down. Instead, they’re converting it into about 75,000 square feet of Class-A office space. Think boutique firms or medical offices.
- Residential Units: We’re talking 205 new homes. This includes 138 age-restricted (55+) apartments and 32 townhomes.
- The "Town Square": Two acres of new green space are planned to replace the old sea of asphalt parking lots.
- The Mobility Hub: A fancy way of saying they are fixing the parking and transit access around the North and South Avenue lots.
Why Everyone Is Arguing About It
If you spend five minutes on a local Facebook group, you know the drama. A group called Westfield Advocates for Responsible Development has been vocal, to say the least. They even filed a lawsuit to stop the project, arguing it was too big for the town’s "unique charm."
They were worried about 75-foot tall buildings and traffic. Kinda fair, honestly. But in September 2025, the Superior Court of New Jersey ruled in favor of the town. Basically, the judge said the redevelopment plan followed the rules.
Mayor Shelley Brindle has been a huge proponent, arguing that without this project, the town would be vulnerable to "builder’s remedy" lawsuits that could force even higher-density housing on that site. It’s a classic suburban standoff: progress versus preservation.
What’s the Current Status in 2026?
As of right now, in early 2026, the project is finally moving toward the "dirt turning" phase.
The Town Council approved some amended plans in mid-2025 that actually lowered some of the building heights and reduced the office footprint to make it more palatable for the neighbors. Saks Global (the new corporate name after some big retail mergers) is the developer behind it now.
Construction is widely anticipated to pick up steam throughout 2026. If you're looking for the old store, it's gone for good, but the shell of that iconic building will remain as part of the new office complex.
Actionable Insights for Residents and Visitors
Whether you're a local or just someone who misses the old-school shopping experience, here is how to navigate the current situation:
- Check the Preview Center: If it's still open at 76 Elm Street, go there. They have models and maps that show exactly where the new townhomes and the "Town Green" will be.
- Parking Changes: Expect the North and South Avenue municipal lots to be a headache for a while. If you're commuting via NJ Transit, keep an eye on town alerts for lot closures as they start the new parking garages.
- Support Local Downtown: With the Lord and Taylor anchor gone, the smaller shops on Elm and Quimby Streets need the foot traffic more than ever.
- Watch the Timeline: Major construction is expected to hit its stride by late 2026. If you're looking to move into one of the new 55+ units, now is the time to start tracking the developer's waitlists.
The era of buying a cocktail dress and getting a makeover at Lord and Taylor Westfield is definitely over. But the "monolith" isn't going to stay empty forever. It’s becoming the centerpiece of a new version of Westfield—one that’s more about "live-work-play" than just "shop-and-leave."