Whole Foods, Costco plans revive for Steeplegate Mall

Source: bizjournals.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Plans to redevelop the shuttered Steeplegate Mall in Concord, New Hampshire, into a mixed-use site with Whole Foods, Costco, and 600 housing units by developer Onyx Partners are advancing again. The holdup was a legal dispute with JCPenney over its lease, now reportedly resolved, allowing planning to resume. This is being reported now because city officials announced the progress in April 2026 during a State of the City event.[[1]](https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/04/13/whole-foods-costco-steeplegate-mall.html)[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Key points

Details and context

Onyx Partners announced initial plans after buying the property in 2023, but progress halted due to the JCPenney lawsuit and leasing challenges. A former Sears store at the mall is fenced off, signaling preparation for changes.[[1]](https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2026/04/13/whole-foods-costco-steeplegate-mall.html)

City leaders like Mayor Byron Champlin view the project as key to restoring the site's role as a top taxpayer and economic driver. The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce expects increased foot traffic to benefit nearby businesses.[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Some residents hope the housing will be affordable, though plans describe it as market-rate; JCPenney's future at the site remains unclear.[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)

Key quotes

Mayor Byron Champlin: "We certainly hope that it will be something of a shot in the arm to our economy."[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Mayor Byron Champlin: "The most important aspect for us is that it will return that piece of property to its former status as one of the top property taxpayers for the city."[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Bryanna Marceau, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce: "It's going to increase foot traffic visitations to the area, and that's beneficial for all of the surrounding businesses, so we're really excited about that."[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

City Manager Tom Aspell: “The mall project has returned. They’ve worked out a deal with JCPenney and… we’re waiting to see how all that’s going to play out.”[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)

Why it matters

The project could revitalize a blighted mall site, adding retail anchors, housing, and tax revenue to Concord's economy. It means potential new shopping options like Costco and Whole Foods for residents, plus apartments that might ease local housing demand, though affordability is unconfirmed. Watch for planning approvals, construction starts, and final JCPenney resolution, as further delays remain possible.

What changed

Plans were on hold late last year due to JCPenney legal and leasing issues; now they are resuming with Onyx Partners moving forward on Whole Foods, Costco, and 600 apartments; the shift was announced April 9-13, 2026.[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)

FAQ

Q: What caused the delay in Steeplegate Mall redevelopment?

A: Legal and leasing issues with JCPenney stalled the project for months late last year, including a dispute over lease terms requiring the site to remain a mall through 2030. City officials say those issues are now resolved. Planning by Onyx Partners can resume.[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Q: Who is developing the Steeplegate Mall site?

A: Onyx Partners, a Needham, Massachusetts-based firm, owns the property and is advancing the plans. The company bought the site in 2023 and proposed the mixed-use redevelopment. City negotiations for support are ongoing.[[3]](https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/04/09/jcpenney-steeplegate-mall-deal-state-of-the-city-2026-concord)[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Q: What retailers are planned for the redevelopment?

A: Plans call for Costco and Whole Foods as major retailers, plus other commercial space. JCPenney and Altitude Trampoline Park may remain. The focus is on mixed-use with apartments above retail.[[4]](https://www.nbcboston.com/boston-business-journal/whole-foods-costco-plan-back-on-track-for-shuttered-nh-mall-site/3932650)[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)

Q: How many housing units are included?

A: Roughly 600 apartments are planned in multi-floor, mixed-use buildings. Residents hope some will be affordable, but details specify market-rate. The units are part of the broader revitalization effort.[[2]](https://www.wmur.com/article/steeplegate-mall-redevelopment-progress-41326/71006647)