# Electric Boat’s Purchase of Former Macy’s Space at Crystal Mall Signals Economic Boost for Southeastern Connecticut
General Dynamics Electric Boat just bought the old Macy’s department store at Waterford’s Crystal Mall. They’re planning to turn the empty retail spot into a support facility for their submarine manufacturing operations.
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This move breathes new life into a struggling property. It’s also a big step for Electric Boat as they ramp up to meet the U.S. Navy’s growing submarine production needs.
A New Chapter for Crystal Mall and Waterford
Electric Boat’s purchase covers the 121,000-square-foot former Macy’s and seven nearby acres. They’re gearing up for major renovations to fit around 700 employees in engineering, training, and laboratory roles.
From Retail to Defense: Repurposing Commercial Space
Repurposing old retail spaces for new uses is catching on across Connecticut and beyond. Crystal Mall, like a lot of shopping centers from New London to Hartford, has seen less foot traffic and lost anchor stores over the years.
Sarah Johnson, Waterford’s economic development director, sees this as a model for other towns. “We’re seeing creative solutions emerge across Connecticut, from Stamford to Norwich, as communities adapt to changing economic realities,” she says.
Economic Impact on Southeastern Connecticut
Electric Boat’s expansion should have effects far beyond Waterford. They’re planning to hire over 3,000 people by the end of 2025, so towns all over New London County could see a boost.
Job Creation and Regional Growth
Analysts predict that every job at Electric Boat will spark about 1.5 more jobs in the area. This could bring fresh energy to places like Groton, just five miles from the new Waterford site.
Michael Torres, a real estate developer working in Mystic and New London, says, “We’re seeing increased interest in housing and commercial development across the region. The influx of well-paying jobs creates demand for everything from restaurants to professional services.”
Supplier and Contractor Ecosystem
Electric Boat’s larger presence will likely draw more suppliers and contractors to the area. Companies that make specialized submarine components might set up shop near the Waterford facility, possibly using other empty spaces at Crystal Mall or nearby.
This kind of ecosystem could help communities all over eastern Connecticut, including:
Timeline and Future Possibilities
Electric Boat wants the new facility up and running by March 2027. They’ve got a lot of renovating ahead, turning an old retail space into something fit for high-tech defense work.
The place will need serious security upgrades. That’s just part of meeting the strict standards tied to their defense contracts.
Electric Boat hasn’t said anything about grabbing more space at the Crystal Mall. Still, their reps keep mentioning they always look for real estate options across the region.
That kind of talk gets people wondering—could there be more expansion coming, maybe in Waterford or a nearby town? It’s possible, especially if the demand for submarines keeps climbing.
Connecticut is trying to stake its claim as a defense manufacturing hub. This new move feels like a solid win for Waterford and a boost for the whole southeastern Connecticut area.
Communities from Groton to New London, Norwich to Mystic—everyone could see some benefit from this investment in submarine manufacturing. It’s a big deal, even if it’s just the first step.
Here is the source article for this story: Electric Boat’s purchase of a Macy’s could spark a new trend for reuse of empty mall spaces: Experts
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