The still-thriving Westfarms Mall opened in 1974, and General Manager Kevin Keenan, who has been there since the beginning, credits much of the success to teamwork.

Westfarms General Manager Kevin Keenan. Photo by Jane and Michael Shauck, IRIS Photography

By Ronni Newton

Westfarms General Manager Kevin Keenan started out as a mall custodian three weeks before the building opened to the public four decades ago, and both are now celebrating 40 successful years.

Westfarms was built on farmland that straddled the West Hartford and Farmington town lines, and was Connecticut’s first indoor shopping mall when it opened its doors in 1974. Much has changed in West Hartford and the rest of the world since the Watergate era, and Westfarms has changed with the times as well, undergoing several expansions and renovations.

In honor of Westfarms 40th anniversary, the latest facelift has resulted in a complete makeover for the center court area, currently the temporary home of Santa Claus in the “Frozen”-themed Ice Palace holiday display. The surface of center court was raised to be level with the surrounding floor, and escalators and an old glass elevator were removed and replaced with a double glass elevator. There is also a new state-of-the-art tech table with charging stations where shoppers can take a break and take advantage of Westfarms’ upgraded high-speed WiFi. Other courtyard spaces have also been upgraded, as have the lighting and restrooms.

In an article in the Holiday issue of West Hartford Magazine, Keenan explains why he thinks Westfarms has continued to have enduring success through economic highs and lows. “We know we have a good strong, well leased shopping center here,” Keenan told West Hartford Magazine editor Lisa Lelas. “It’s a phenomenal market area, with terrific customers and a perfect location. Every year, some stores move out but new faces always move in, keeping the shopping experience fresh. Even in the toughest of economic times, we’ve been successful.”

Westfarms management team members. Photo by Jane and Michael Shauck, IRIS Photography.

According to Keenan, one essential component that is key to Westfarms’ success is the team that runs the Taubman-owned center. Like him, many have also worked there since day one and he said the management team is very close – working together “like family.”

Keenan has been general manager since 2000. “There were colleagues of mine who also moved up the ranks with the company, as well,” he told West Hartford Magazine. “We started together and knew the importance of continuing to work as a team.”

“Since the days I wore a tool-belt at work, I have had many mentors, from supervisors and former general managers to many coworkers. I learned something from every single one of them. Over the years I found that being constantly challenged gives me energy and I thrive on that. I’m certainly never bored here!” said Keenan.

To read the entire West Hartford Magazine article about Keenan, the team, and the history of Westfarms, click here.