Malden Center has been transformed in recent years with new dining and gaming establishments and new multifamily projects including Jefferson Apartment Group’s J. Malden complex. Now the city is attracting more proposals from office developers. Photo by Andy Ryan | Jefferson Apartment Group
When I took office in Malden in 2012, my most important economic initiative was to instill the idea that economic development is more of a mindset than a process. Instead of providing potential developments with a series of hurdles to overcome, I worked to create an atmosphere where city professionals look at projects to find a way to make them win/win opportunities while also protecting the city’s assets and resources.
This approach has been a key driver in the revitalization of Malden. By starting with the creation of a business development officer position and the formation of an economic development team consisting of the executive director of the redevelopment authority, the building commissioner, the director of the board of health and a senior planner, I brought together partners who understand that successful businesses are a critical component to a community’s fiscal well-being.
With this new approach, development has become a collaborative business in Malden.
We have forged successful partnerships with a number of stakeholders including private developers and a variety of state agencies that have played key roles in our efforts to revitalize Malden Center.
We have embraced creative “outside the box” thinking to achieve our success including the use of economic development tools available to Gateway Cities such as the Housing Development Incentive Program that made the development of market-rate, transit-oriented housing a reality in Malden Center. Additionally, our open line of communication with state officials has led to tenants for our downtown Malden office buildings and grant funding through such programs as MassWorks to help with the transformation.
Gaming and Dining Draw Visitors
As a result, the additions of premiere mixed-use developments have been a key driver in the revitalization of Malden Center.
The traditional Malden Center has been evolving into a gaming and dining destination to attract customers from across the Greater Boston area, but with these new market-rate living areas and top-notch community spaces, these customers are now within walking distance. By providing an infusion of large numbers of this desirable demographic, it has invigorated long-standing businesses with new customers and has transformed the former shopping corridor into a 21st century destination.
The success of creating a more vibrant downtown has been the catalyst for attracting other developers to discover and invest in Malden. This has helped Malden experience significant economic growth with major commercial developments that have spurred new jobs and new revenue for the city. In addition to a new 55,000-square-foot building at 195 Canal St. along the Malden River with stunning views of downtown Boston, Exchange200, a 320,000-square-foot building, has undergone a complete renovation to provide preeminent flex-office and R&D space for large-footprint companies.
Since then, additional private investors have come forward with proposals to construct two new Class A office developments just a couple of blocks away from the MBTA’s Malden Center station. Should all of these projects come to fruition, it would mean thousands of new workers in Malden Center and an even larger customer base for area businesses.
Gary Christenson
Lastly, as final proof that this approach has been redefining Malden Center, Malden’s gaming and dining district has had five additional restaurants and a new 35,000-square-foot brewpub open or proceeding with their buildout during this pandemic. Simultaneously, Boda Borg Boston, the only U.S. franchise in a chain of “questing” entertainment facilities located throughout Sweden, Switzerland, and Ireland, has expanded from 35,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet. This continued investment is all based upon the strength of Malden Center as the new hotspot in Boston area, which began with a vision to go from ‘Red Tape to Red Carpet’ for Malden’s mindset toward economic development.
Gary Christenson is mayor of Malden.
