On Wednesday, Dec. 6, Regency Centers announced the new name of the development at the former SunVet Mall, The Shops at SunVet.

Progress moved forward when the Town of Islip Planning Board approved Regency Centers’ application for an updated design adapting an existing structure, in March, to accommodate anchor retailer Whole Foods’ open-air specifications.

According to Regency Centers, the plan will “revitalize[e] the 50-year-old shopping center, include[ing] the adaptive reuse of the existing 280,000-square-foot outdated structure into a 168,000-square-foot open-air shopping center anchored by a Whole Foods Market and two junior anchors.”

The project will also include 53,000 square feet of shops and six outparcels.

The currently operating Citibank will remain open during construction until its new location opens in late 2024.

Demolition of the existing building began during summer and will continue through the winter, with new construction beginning in spring of 2024.

Once complete, The Shops at SunVet will be home to the sixth Whole Foods Market on Long Island and will expand Regency Centers’ footprint in the market to 11 properties, which includes the national four-property, $130 million acquisition from Serota Properties in the fourth quarter of 2021, and the $30 million purchase of East Meadow Plaza in fall 2022.

Regency Centers said, “[Our] approach to merchandising The Shops at SunVet is keyed to the local, unmet needs for fresh and compelling retail options in Holbrook and the surrounding region.”

“After years of vacancy, we know there is much anticipation about The Shops at SunVet,” said Sean Mirkov, senior leasing agent for the property. “The design, the merchant mix, and the experience, are all attuned to the Holbrook community to create something new and unique that hasn’t existed in this market before.”

Regency Centers said that the redevelopment of The Shops at SunVet “emphasizes experiences” with sections “that are inviting, authentic, and true to the surrounding community. Blurring the lines between a place to gather and a place to shop, dedicated spaces with comfortable furnishings will promote pedestrian activity and community gatherings.”

When news of the developments was announced by Regency Centers, community groups in Holbrook and the surrounding areas of Sayville, West Sayville, Oakdale, Bohemia, and Bayport were abuzz with excitement over the progressive plans of Regency Centers.

“The Shops at SunVet will bring back to life this once-vibrant shopping hub and make it once again an amenity that serves the needs of Holbrook and the surrounding community,” said Rebecca Wing, vice president, investments. “We are particularly excited about the opportunity to re-use the existing structure to minimize waste, while providing all of the new design features and amenities demanded by today’s top retailers.”