Derby Place in Bel Air: Whole Foods, 249 Apartments, and a Spring 2028 Opening

The old Macy's at Harford Mall is gone, and Derby Place is going in its place. It will have a 35,000-square-foot Whole Foods, a Shake Shack, more places to eat and shop, and 249 apartments, with the first stores set for spring 2028.

What's coming to Derby Place

Besides Whole Foods, the plan includes Dave's Hot Chicken and Warby Parker. I cover them in two newer posts: Dave's Hot Chicken and Warby Parker are coming to Derby Place and my Harford Mall update on Derby Place, Dave's Hot Chicken, Warby Parker and Whole Foods.

Watch the video: Harford Mall Update: Derby Place and Whole Foods

Watch on YouTube: Update on the #Harfordcounty Mall and construction happening today. #belair

Is the old Macy's gone?

Yes. Teardown started July 22, 2026. When I filmed in August, they were in the middle of it. By mid-September the building was gone. Crews are still working the site now.

What is going in the old Macy's spot?

Derby Place. It's a shopping and dining project at Baltimore Pike and Veterans Memorial Highway. The plan includes:

• A Whole Foods of about 35,000 square feet
• Shake Shack
• More restaurants and shops
• Small parks, green space, and walkways
• 249 apartments, built as a separate part of the project

My take: this is set up to be a place for families, with outdoor space and places to eat, not just stores.

When will Whole Foods open in Bel Air?

The first stores at Derby Place are set for spring 2028. Whole Foods is the anchor. Vertical construction is set to start this winter.

Who else has signed on?

Besides Whole Foods and Shake Shack: Eggspectations, Dave's Hot Chicken, and Warby Parker.

When will the apartments be built?

Work on the 249 apartments is set to start this fall. A different developer is building that part.

Will the rest of Harford Mall stay open?

Yes. The rest of the mall is open during the work. CBL still owns it and will redo it on its own schedule.

What should I watch for?

Traffic and parking are the big questions people ask me. Keep an eye out. I'll keep sharing updates as the work moves along.

FAQ

What is going in the old Harford Mall Macy's?

Derby Place, a shopping and dining project anchored by a 35,000-square-foot Whole Foods, plus 249 apartments.

When will Whole Foods open in Bel Air?

The first Derby Place stores, including Whole Foods, are set to open in spring 2028.

How many apartments are planned at Derby Place?

249 apartments are planned, with work set to start in fall 2026.

Is Harford Mall closing?

No. Only the old Macy's area was torn down. The rest of the mall stays open.

Thinking about a move in Harford County? Reach Josh at joshua@leetessier.com.

Watch more on my YouTube channel, Josh Talks Harford, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Josh Tessier, Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty

Sources

Checked Oct. 16, 2026.

1. Derby Place Bel Air (developer site)
2. SJC Ventures, Derby Place leasing brochure
3. Shopping Center Business, SJC Ventures to Begin Construction on Former Macy's, July 17, 2026
4. WMAR-2 News, Business buzz surrounds Harford Mall, Oct. 13, 2026
5. Whatnow, Whole Foods Headed to Bel Air, Aug. 16, 2026
6. Harford Mall Redevelopment Tracker