Framingham/Natick Retail NewsCenter

Natick announces plans for grand opening gala

Title: NATICK ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR GRAND OPENING GALA: September 2007 Event Will Benefit Natick Native Doug Flutie's Foundation for Autism

Author: Press Release

Publication: Press Release

Date of Publication: January 12, 2007

Corresponding Retail Development: Natick Collection 2007 Expansion

Corresponding Town: Natick

Web Site Link: None

Text:

Natick Mall, Natick, MA (January 12, 2007) - Progress has been rapid on the Natick expansion, and the skyline is quickly transforming with the property's grand architecture, rising beams and undulating skylights.  The sense of a glamorous new destination is taking shape and to mark this approaching capstone in the MetroWest area, mall officials announced today that plans are underway to celebrate in high style.   A headline event - an invitation-only grand opening gala - will take place on September 6, 2007, when Natick will open its doors for an exclusive preview, showcasing the property as the single most stylish shopping complex in the area.   All net proceeds will benefit the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., an organization that provides much-needed financial assistance and support to thousands of families and organizations that are affected by autism. Natick native, Doug Flutie, will be among the guests, as well as the social, business, and civic "who's who" in the Metro West area.  

"We are delighted to announce that The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism will be the recipient of all net proceeds from the event," said Frank T. Lazorchak, General Manager, Natick. He continued, "The Foundation has made tremendous contributions to the effort to understand autism and treat autistic children.  We hope that the funds we raise at the Gala will help them continue to assist families who are affected by this unfortunate condition."

"We feel honored that Natick has chosen our organization to be the beneficiary of this exciting event," said Laurie Flutie, co-founder of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. "Since we established the Foundation, our mission has been to support financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their child with autism, as well as fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism.  The funds from this event will enable us to expand our efforts even more."

Natick's Grand Opening Gala will set the stage and tone for what is soon to become the premier style and fashion destination for the Metro West area.  Steve Kemble, the award-winning, nationally renowned party planner and television personality, is the designer of this event.  Famous for his fashion and style commentary on such television programs as The Great Domestic Showdown on ABC, Who's Wedding is it Anyway, on the Style Network, and for organizing parties for Presidents, NFL players, and countless celebrities, Kemble has promised an event that will raise the bar on luxury for years to come.  The event theme will emanate from the Natick sensibility - Hip, Luxurious, Inspired and Unique - with unrivaled entertainment, visual décor, music and food.  Details about the party will be announced early in the coming months. 

Frank T. Lazorchak and Laurie Flutie are co-chairs of the event.  An Honorary Committee of community leaders has been organized to help coordinate the fund raising. 

Autism affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States and occurs in as many as one in 166 births.  As parents of a son with autism, Doug and Laurie Flutie established the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. in 1998.  To date, the organization has given over $5 million to individuals through autism organizations that are helping affected families and their children.  Doug Flutie is a former NFL quarterback and is a Natick native.

The Natick Mall was last renovated in 1994, when construction increased its size from 725,000 to its current 1.1 million square feet.  The resulting redeveloped mall, with 167 new stores and a remodeled food court, quickly became one of New England's premier shopping destinations.

The new Natick will feature over one hundred exceptional stores including dozens of the nation's top retailers, a number of which will be in the Boston area for the first time.  When completed, this 15 acre property will house more than 1 million square feet of space.  Designed by the highly respected architectural firm of Beyer Blinder Belle, and with landscaping by the distinguished Massachusetts firm of Martha Schwartz Inc., Natick is certain to become the premier shopping, dining and living destination for the Boston MetroWest area and beyond.  In addition to the retail center, the mall will include 215 luxury condominium residences scheduled to open in the Spring of 2008.

Additional plans include a hotel, meandering bike path, public walkway, and rooftop garden the size of two football fields for exclusive use by condominium residents. 

For more information on Natick Mall's renovation and expansion, new stores, discounts and promotions, please visit natickmall.com.