SPRINGFIELD – While the recent unexpected departure of Cinemark Theaters from Eastfield Mall made headlines, according to the mall’s property manager Dave Thompson, that is not the entire story.

Thompson explained to Reminder Publishing that two other theater chains are interested into moving into the former Cinemark site. One company sent a representative to tour the site, Thompson said.

The two companies have “very good interest in working with us,” he said.

Thompson expressed confidence in finding a new tenant.

Other developments at the mall promise a new chapter for the property. Thompson said the formers Sears building and automotive center were purchased by Eastern Retail Properties. The Braintree-located company specializes in retail land development.

Thompson said when the building was purchased mall management reached out to Eastern Retail Properties to inquire about the plans for the property.

“They promised us that they would be putting a national retailer into the building,” Thompson said.

He believes an announcement could come within two to three months.

The mall owns the Macy building that has been used as a flea market on weekends. Thompson said there are few details he can divulge at this time, but said “a big anchor” tenant is ready to move into the space shortly. He added it has taken two years of hard work to make the deal happen.

The former J.C.Penney building is owned by Boston Road retail, a company aligned with the owners of the Mall, Mountain Development Corporation. Right now the building is being rented by Friendly’s for dry storage, he said.

J.C.Penney closed in 2011, Macy’s in 2016 and Sears in 2018.

All of the new retail would be a prelude to the ultimate redevelopment of Eastfield Mall into Eastfield Commons, which Thompson described as a “little city.” The concept is to have a combination of housing, services such as medical offices and retail, which would include a grocery store.

“It would look like a park setting,” Thompson said.

Eastfield Mall was opened in 1967 and was the first enclosed mall in the greater Springfield area.