Hundreds of shoppers are taking advantage of the newly renovated Springfield Town Center.
The mall officially reopened at 10 a.m. Friday.
"It's going to change the dynamics of this area," said shopper Angie Trio.
The old mall, which closed in 2012, became infected with crime, and towards the end of its life, stores quickly vacated the dilapidated structure.
"It got really depressing. It got creepy, actually. I would be scared to be at the mall at night and evening, because it was so empty," said Asma Thiknawaria, who also came to check out the made-over shopping center.
Security has a big presence at the new Springfield Town Center, with hundreds of security cameras and a substation inside the mall.
"One of the challenges of the mall is you had a lot of dead-ends. You had dark parking garages; you had dark parking lots, and you notice here, when you come in here now you don't have any of that," said Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay.
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More than 80 percent of the mall's tenants opened their doors Friday morning.
The newly renovated 1.35 million-square-foot shopping center will be home to retailers like H&M, TopShop, Dave & Buster's and Regal Cinemas. Maggiano's Little Italy and & Pizza are among the dining options at the mall.
"Oh, this is fantastic. It's beautiful," said shopper Tom Reichler. "Lot of upscale stores; we'll definitely be here."
The Springfield Town Center is just the first step in a 10-year redevelopment plan for the area.
