For more than 70 years, Cross County Center has been a defining part of Yonkers. Since opening in 1954 as the nation’s first open-air shopping center, the iconic destination has grown into a major retail, dining and entertainment hub, welcoming approximately 14 million visitors each year and playing an important role in the city’s commercial landscape.
Today, this Yonkers institution is entering its next chapter—not simply through a major redevelopment, but through the continued evolution of a destination that remains active, welcoming and connected to the community while that transformation takes place.
At the heart of the redevelopment is a dramatic new four-acre park and boardwalk that will serve as the “front door” to Cross County Center. The space will feature an allée of trees, café-style seating, gathering areas and flexible space for seasonal events, farmers markets, wellness programming and community activities.
The redevelopment began this spring and is expected to be completed in fall 2027. Marx Realty’s 58,000-square-foot expansion on the center’s north lot includes two new retail buildings: a 14,000-square-foot building and a two-story, 44,000-square-foot building. The larger building is planned to accommodate a national apparel retailer’s flagship location, while the additional space will create opportunities for new retail offerings.
“We are excited to officially break ground on a project that reflects the continued evolution of Cross County Center,” said Craig Deitelzweig, CEO of Marx Realty. “These new buildings will help us meet the incredible demand from retailers looking to be part of Cross County Center while creating an even more engaging and community-oriented environment for our visitors with a beautiful new 4-acre park.”
The project also includes underground parking, new vertical transportation access and pedestrian improvements throughout the north lot.
But visitors do not have to wait until 2027 to experience what is new. Cross County Center remains open throughout construction, with stores and restaurants welcoming shoppers for the back-to-school season and beyond. New additions include CAVA, LEVI’s and BUILD A BEAR, which opened last year, while long-term tenants are investing in their locations. AMERICAN EAGLE recently completed a remodel, and CLAIRE’S is adding an ear-piercing station. ELITE SPA & NAIL SALON recently opened, followed by highly anticipated opening of COACH this Fall.
Free parking will remain available throughout construction, while the center’s programming continues with fall favorites including Oktoberfest on September 12 and Halloween Spooktacular on October 24.
Located at the intersection of Interstate 87 and the Cross County Parkway, the 1.15-million-square-foot center is home to more than 100 retail, dining, entertainment and educational tenants.
After 70 years, Cross County Center remains a constant in a changing Yonkers. Its next chapter is already taking shape and it is one worth watching.
