The last remaining large space at Meadowbrook Mall is set to be filled, according to information discussed at this morning’s Bridgeport Development Authority meeting. And it is something that will likely bring smiles to a lot of faces.

 

During the meeting, the Authority discussed the request for a new Business Sustainability Incentive for a new business at Meadowbrook Mall. The request was for The Hive Entertainment Zone.

 

The new business will be located in the space occupied for years by the Elder-Beerman Home Store and recently used for interviews and merchandise by Boscov’s. It is the last large area that has been vacant at the facility.

 

The Hive is a trampoline park, Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said. It will occupy 53,500 square feet that is available at the location and the initial investment is $1.8 million.

 

“This may be the largest trampoline park in the state, perhaps the mid-Atlantic region,” said Brandon Critchfield, who was joined the meeting by Josten Mengerink and Tom Cohen as the individuals responsible for the project. “It’s not just trampolines.”

 

Among the items in the massive space will be a 6,700 square feet of trampoline main court; 5,000 square foot Betson brand arcade with prize redemption; eight party rooms; a battle beam; dunk hoops; traverse climbing wall; 1,800 square feet all age inflatable area; 1,500 square foot kiddie inflatable area for ages six and under; a 6,000 square foot soft play are for ages six and under; a 23,000 square footAirtrak Sport Court which is perfect for basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and dodgeball; a 4,000 square foot laser tag area done with Battlefield's latest technology; and multiple air bag attractions. There will be a mezzanine overlooking the area.

 

The trampolines, Critchfield said, are the best in the business. He said they will have a special shock system in place.

 

“This is like nothing anyone has seen in the state,” said Critchfield, who added that they’ll likely have at least 50 employees.

 

Kerr said in her discussions with the group that there will be speakers underneath the trampolines to help make the experience fun and a six-foot disco ball, costing $20,000, planned to help with the music theme.

 

“It is a trampoline park, but it is going to have a whole lot more,” said Kerr, including the items mentioned above.

 

There will be a café included with the business as well. Kerr, as well as the trio involved, said they hope to get a liquor license. “It will allow for adults to have a few drinks while their kids are having fun. From the videos (the developers) have shown me, it looks amazing,” said Kerr. The The mezzanine will host the bar area and that area will be for adults only.

 

Mengerink said the plan is to be open by December 1 of this year. The group also said this has been in the planning stages for more than four years and, like others, was interrupted by COVID.

 

The developers were also clear that The Hive will not be in competition with The Bridge. Instead, they said it will serve as place for families and their children to go during breaks in action when tournaments or other activities are taking place.

 

With this space filled, the only vacant spaces left are mainly restaurant areas. The former Subway in the food court is open, as the Garfield’s Restaurant space and the Block and Barrell directly beside it. There is some additional space available that is blocked in that was previously occupied by Elder-Beerman’s main store. Recently, rue-21 closed as the result of a national bankruptcy. Outside of that, the entire mall is at full capacity.

 

“I watched two of the anchors (Sears and Elder-Beerman) leave and that was sad because I went to those stores as an adult and growing up,” said Kerr. “You wondered if there would be a rebound when those stores left, but Cafaro (Company, the owners of the mall based out of Ohio) has turned it around … It is truly unbelievable. Now, all of the anchor spots are once again filled with business.”

 

The BDA approved the sustainability incentive for the business. It provides a 90 percent tax credit on assessed B&O tax in year one of operation and 40 percent in years two and three. The business met the criteria required to be eligible for the grant.

 

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Editor's Note: Top photo shows the individuals bringing in The Hive. From left are Brandon Critchfield, Josten Mengerink, and Tom Cohen. In the second photo, BDA President John Stogran and member Don Burton listen to the presentation. Third photo shows Community Development Director Andrea Kerr disucssing particulars of the project. Bottom drawing shows a layout of the property.