Seventy years ago, Cross County Center revolutionized the retail landscape, opening as the nation’s first and only open-air shopping destination. Originally housing approximately 30 stores, the center expanded to nearly 100 stores across multiple buildings. Since its official opening, Cross County Center has continued to evolve, attracting cutting-edge retailers, and fostering a dynamic community atmosphere that essentially put Yonkers, NY on the map.
The center has long been committed to fostering a sense of community and resilience, particularly during challenging times. Throughout various economic cycles – from the recession and gas crisis of the 1980s to defying the challenges posed by the growth of online shopping, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – the center has remained steadfast in its dedication to serving as a welcoming space for visitors whether they come to shop or to simply unwind with family and friends. The continual evolution of Cross County Center, even through the most challenging cycles, has established its unwavering commitment to supporting the vitality of the region.
Cross County Center has been a beacon of innovation and remarkable growth since its inception, it quickly established itself as a premier retail destination, effectively cementing Yonkers position as a thriving community hub in the larger Tri-State region. Over the years, it has seen many transformations, including the conversion of the Cross County Hospital into office space in 1977, which now houses the Hyatt Place Hotel. Marx Realty took over operations at the Center in 2020 and rose to the challenge presented by Sears’ demise by securing a long-term lease with Target (which opened in October 2023) and by bringing SUNY Westchester Yonkers to that space for its new lab spaces and fashion design school, adding to the robust mix of uses.
The 1,150,000-square-foot Cross County Center is jointly owned by Marx Realty and Benenson Capital Management. The outdoor lifestyle center is located at the intersection of Cross County Parkway and I-87, attracting over 11 million visitors annually from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Cross County Center has attracted many of the top names in retail and dining including the first new store design and layout for Savage X Fenty by Rihanna, first Zara and Shake Shack in the county as well as a growing SUNY Westchester Yonkers location. Marx Realty is currently in talks with the City of Yonkers to formalize the next phase of evolution at Cross County Center so more to come!
