Maple Shopping Center celebrates grand reopening in Longmeadow

Nearly five years after a devastating fire, Longmeadow Shopping Center is celebrating a new beginning. But as 22 News reporter Sarah Bename explains, not everyone is completely satisfied with the changes. What was once left damaged by flames is now getting a second chance. It was sudden. It was early in the morning. It was a four-alarm fire. A devastating four-alarm fire nearly five years ago forced businesses out and left a hole in Longmeadow. Now after years of rebuilding, the Maple Shopping Center is now back in the community. The shopping center first opened in 1961. We have fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems now. And as you can see, higher ceilings, new HVAC system. The long road to recovery was celebrated Saturday with a special presentation ceremony and a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Town officials say the reopening is more than just a new look for the shopping center. This is you know a great thing for this. Not only Longmeadow, but even over the line Enfield and all the surrounding areas. People want to come here, whether it's a restaurant, you know getting their nails, you know the bottle shop. It's got a little of everything for everybody. Now the community isn't just excited to welcome back familiar businesses, but also the new ones. We now have 16 locations between the east and west in Massachusetts. We're very community focused, and so Longmeadow is definitely welcoming of that. With all the new amenities, the shopping center is nearly fully leased. with returning businesses like Iron Chef, Asian Cuisine, Dream Nail Spa, and The Bottle Shop. The other new additions include Colorado Ski Shop and Back Nine Golf and the Refinery. But while many are excited about the changes, others say there's still something missing. It's far too modern for the area. It also needs a grocery store, which we used to have. Armada's was a great store. While the businesses may look different, the hope is that the center will once again become a place where the community can shop, gather, and connect. Working for you, Sarah Bename, 22 News.