Bainbridge Companies has submitted a proposal to transform the empty Nordstrom building at the Mall at Wellington Green into a major residential development. The plan calls for converting 18 acres into a 620-unit multifamily apartment complex, with the existing structure to be demolished if approved. The development would feature a variety of unit sizes housed in three towers along with a parking structure.
Village Manager Jim Barnes explained that the project would offer multiple housing options for residents. "One-, two- and three-bedroom units including three towers and a parking structure," Barnes said. He emphasized that the development responds to a significant housing shortage affecting the region and beyond. "Not only in the county, but throughout the state, and even out of the state, there is a shortage of housing units," Barnes said.
Not all Wellington residents support the proposal. Richard Meyers, a decade-long resident, expressed opposition to adding more apartments to the area. "There's already a bunch of apartment complexes around the mall; I don't think we need more," Meyers said. Traffic concerns also emerged from some community members. Gaby Martinez worried that increased density would strain local roads and create commuting problems. "Even just adding daily commutes to that area seems like it might create some bottlenecks," Martinez said.
Village leadership has framed the project as potentially beneficial to the mall's long-term future. Barnes noted that additional development near the mall could support the remaining retailers, which continue to perform strongly. He pointed out that anchor stores including Macy's, Dillard's and JCPenney remain high-performing locations. Barnes specifically highlighted the success of the Macy's location at the mall, calling it "the highest-performing store in the state." The village has not yet announced a timeline or cost estimate for the project, and the plans remain subject to approval.