SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Work is underway for the redevelopment project at the site of what was the Eastfield Mall.

Springfield City Councilor Zaida Govan said the future is bright for the property. 

"It's now going to be known as Springfield Crossing," Govan said. "As you know, it's been torn down. People are very emotional about this, they're really sad to see the mall be torn down like this, but we're excited to see what's coming. We know for sure that Chipotle is coming and so is Chick-Fila."

The space is being redeveloped by Onyx, and according to them, it will have several retail stores including Five Below, Burlington and Old Navy.

Govan said the multi-million dollar project will also have opportunities around the premise for small business to thrive as well. The Eastfield Mall had been home to several successful minority-owned businesses. 

"They're going to have a space for small businesses," she said. "Kind of like a marketplace, where small businesses can come in and do some business."

The property will have over 1,700 parking spaces as well as over 360,000 available square feet. It will be a different atmosphere. from the former building, as this will now be an outdoor shopping center instead of an enclosed mall.

Govan said the community will have a lot to look forward to as the project comes to completion.

"I think this is very important because the economic piece of it as well as the socialization piece of it," she said. "I think a lot of people have stopped coming to the Eastfield Mall, so I think that's the reason they moved in this direction. They want this property to be alive and kicking the way it used to be."

The Springfield Crossing development project is expected to be completed by summer of next year.