At least half a dozen potential Atrium Mall buyers have approached Newton officials over the past few months to discuss possible uses for the struggling retail complex on Route 9, city officials said Friday.
The interest comes as the boutique shopping center in Chestnut Hill continues to shed tenants. Bertucci’s is the latest to close shop at the Atrium, a spokeswoman for Simon Property Group confirmed Friday.
The suitors have sought general information about what kinds of commercial uses are allowed at the Atrium, said Candace Havens, the city’s planning director.
Mayor Setti Warren said the inquiries, combined with other major retail developments nearby on Route 9, have made him optimistic about the Atrium’s future.
Simon, which put the mall up for sale early in the year, has shown no inclination that it plans to redevelop the property on its own, Havens said.