General Dynamics Electric Boat Acquires Crystal Mall in Waterford

In a big move for southeastern Connecticut, General Dynamics Electric Boat just bought the Crystal Mall property in Waterford. The site used to be a busy retail spot, but now it’s set to become a hub for high-tech submarine support operations.

Electric Boat plans to turn former shopping spaces into offices, labs, and training centers. Locals hope this will boost jobs and spark some much-needed economic growth from Groton to New London—and maybe even farther out.

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From Mall to Maritime Innovation

The Crystal Mall has been a familiar landmark in Waterford since the 1980s. Over the years, though, changing shopping habits and online retail have left it pretty quiet.

Electric Boat is stepping in by acquiring 542,000 square feet, including the old Macy’s but not the former Sears. The company, famous for building submarines in Groton, wants to use the mall to support its growing workforce and complex manufacturing needs.

Immediate Redevelopment Plans

Electric Boat President Mark Rayha said they’ve been planning this for a while. Work is starting right away, so don’t be surprised if you see heavy equipment moving in where store displays used to be.

Economic Impact Across Southeastern Connecticut

This isn’t just about Waterford. Officials think the transformation will bring in 3,000 to 4,000 workers over the next few years.

That many new jobs could shake up housing, boost small businesses, and put pressure on schools and services in places like Norwich, Stonington, East Lyme, and Old Saybrook.

Housing Development by 2027

To help with all those new employees, Electric Boat plans to build more than 500 housing units nearby by the end of 2027. It’s a smart move if they want to keep talent local and make life easier for folks commuting from towns like Montville and Colchester.

Community Leaders Welcome the Shift

Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule called it a “once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity.” He’s hoping for steady economic growth.

Leaders in New London and Groton seem just as excited. They think Electric Boat’s expansion will strengthen Connecticut’s role in the defense and maritime industries.

Job Creation and Skills Development

Electric Boat’s plans include new training facilities for submarine technology, engineering, and marine systems. Local officials hope this will open up long-term careers for residents in towns from Norwich to East Haddam.

Impact on Current Mall Tenants

The remaining businesses inside the Crystal Mall didn’t see this coming. A few tenants only heard about the sale when it hit the news.

Electric Boat says it’ll look at existing leases one by one. Still, some changes are coming, and not everyone knows what to expect yet.

Potential Business Displacement

Some retailers might have to move out, but many folks see the redevelopment as a net gain for the local economy. The shift from retail to office and industrial space isn’t unique to Waterford—other Connecticut towns like Danbury and Meriden have tried similar things as mall traffic drops.

Why This Redevelopment Matters

For people living in Connecticut, this feels like a turning point. The Crystal Mall’s new purpose will bring thousands of good jobs and help diversify the region’s economy.

Towns like Groton, Waterford, and Norwich could see more activity in housing, retail, and public services as a result. Maybe it’s just what the area needs.

Long-Term Regional Benefits

Economic boosters point to several likely outcomes:

More workforce training opportunities are coming to southeastern Connecticut.
Local goods and services should see higher demand from employees and their families.
Towns like New London and East Lyme might get a much-needed boost.
New construction could help stabilize the housing markets.
Connecticut may play a bigger role in national defense production.

Redevelopment work is starting right away. Folks from Old Saybrook to Montville are watching, curious to see if this old retail center can really become a place for innovation and opportunity.

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Here is the source article for this story: General Dynamics Electric Boat acquires Crystal Mall in Waterford

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