Electric Boat Acquires Crystal Mall Property in Waterford, Connecticut

General Dynamics Electric Boat has announced the acquisition of the Crystal Mall property in Waterford, Connecticut, marking another major expansion for the company as it works to support increased submarine production.

The purchase includes the entire mall property except the former Sears location. This acquisition follows Electric Boat’s June purchase of the former Macy’s building, which is also located at the Crystal Mall.

Together, these moves represent a significant investment in the Waterford area and highlight the continued growth of the defense manufacturing sector in southeastern Connecticut.

Supporting Submarine Production

Electric Boat, a division of General Dynamics, is one of the primary builders of submarines for the United States Navy. As production demands increase, the company has been expanding its facilities and infrastructure across the region.

The newly acquired Crystal Mall property provides Electric Boat with additional space to support operations and improve efficiency while keeping its primary shipbuilding areas focused on submarine construction.

“This space in Waterford offers us a unique opportunity in an attractive location to consolidate support functions and focus our waterfront footprint on efficiently delivering the submarines our nation needs,” said Mark Rayha, President of Electric Boat.

Why the Crystal Mall Location Matters

Located along Route 85 in Waterford, the Crystal Mall property offers a large footprint and proximity to Electric Boat’s primary operations in Groton and southeastern Connecticut.

The acquisition could allow Electric Boat to:

• Consolidate support and administrative functions

• Increase operational efficiency

• Support its expanding workforce

• Preserve critical waterfront shipbuilding space

With the company continuing to hire thousands of employees in the region, additional space for support operations has become increasingly important.

Potential Impact on Waterford and the Region

The acquisition could significantly reshape the future of the Crystal Mall property, which has faced the same challenges seen by many traditional shopping malls across the country.

Repurposing the site for industrial or operational use could bring:

• New economic activity

• Increased workforce presence in the area

• Redevelopment of a major commercial property

For Waterford residents and local businesses, the long-term plans for the property will be closely watched as Electric Boat continues its expansion.

A Sign of Continued Growth

Electric Boat’s acquisition of the Crystal Mall property underscores the importance of southeastern Connecticut in the nation’s submarine production efforts.

As demand for submarines grows and the company continues to expand its workforce and facilities, strategic investments like this will play a key role in supporting long-term operations.

For the Waterford community, the redevelopment of the Crystal Mall property could mark the beginning of a new chapter for one of the town’s most recognizable commercial sites.