Westgate Plaza is a large strip mall (shopping center) located at 911 Central Avenue in Albany, New York. It is recognized as the first outdoor shopping mall in the Albany area and is considered the first mall in the region, having opened for business in 1957. It was referred to as the "Gateway to the West" at the time of its opening.
History
Westgate Plaza opened in 1957 as an outdoor shopping center, predating the covered regional malls that would later arise in the Capital District. Its early tenants included Woolworth's and the Albany Public Market. Over the decades, the plaza has seen numerous retailers open and close, but it has remained a continuously operating commercial center and is often described as an Albany-area landmark. The plaza's sign, which sits above Central Avenue, is considered an unofficial landmark of the city.
Location and Features
Westgate Plaza is situated on Central Avenue, Albany's primary retail corridor, and is accessible via Interstate 90 (exit 5). According to LoopNet, the property reports a traffic count of approximately 32,461 vehicles per day. It is described as the largest shopping center within Albany's city limits. The center is anchored by Ocean State Job Lot and Best Fitness, and it hosts a mix of national, regional, and local tenants.
Tenants
As of recent listings, the plaza includes roughly 26 operating businesses. Current or recent tenants have included:
- Ocean State Job Lot (anchor)
- Best Fitness (anchor)
- Price Chopper grocery store
- Dollar Tree
- Rainbow Shops
- Sally Beauty
- Cricket Wireless
- The UPS Store
- H&R Block
- KeyBank / M&T Bank
- Rent-A-Center
- Western Union
- Westgate Barber Shop
- Westgate Pizza Bella
- The Gateway Diner
- Several other small retail and service establishments
Some previously documented tenants, such as Advance Auto Parts, Rite Aid, and Payless ShoeSource, are no longer operating at the location.
Ownership
From 1995, Westgate Plaza was managed by Horizons Management. In early October 2025, the property was sold for $6.3 million to an investment group that also holds ownership of Clifton Park Center and Wilton Mall. The new owners have stated their intention to preserve the plaza's legacy while modernizing the property.
Contemporary Status
As of the most recent reporting, Westgate Plaza continues to operate as an active shopping destination. It remains a significant retail property within the city of Albany and a recognized element of the Capital District's commercial landscape.
