The Somerset Collection

The Somerset Collection
Name	The Somerset Collection
Location	Troy, Michigan, United States
Opening date	1969 (original), 1974 (expansion)
Developer	Taubman Centers
Manager	Taubman Centers
Owner	Taubman Centers
Number of stores	180+
Floor area	1,400,000 sq ft

The Somerset Collection

The Somerset Collection is a luxury shopping complex located in Troy, Michigan, United States, known for its upscale retail, designer boutiques, and regional prominence. Developed and managed by Taubman Centers, it has evolved through expansions and renovations into a major retail destination serving the Detroit metropolitan area and attracting shoppers from across the Midwest. The mall's history, architecture, tenancy, amenities, ownership, and role in regional commerce reflect broader trends in American retail, suburban development, and lifestyle branding.

History

The Somerset Collection opened in stages beginning in 1969 and expanded in 1974, with development led by Arthur Taubman and Taubman Centers, who were influential in postwar retail and suburban planning. Early phases coincided with suburbanization patterns exemplified by developments in Wayne County, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan, and suburbs such as Dearborn, Livonia, and Southfield, Michigan. The mall's trajectory parallels projects by developers tied to firms like Taubman Centers, Inc., and mirrors retail shifts seen at properties such as NorthPark Center, King of Prussia Mall, and South Coast Plaza. Over decades Somerset adapted to retail cycles that involved anchor turnover similar to changes at Hudson's Bay Company locations, JCPenney restructurings, and the expansion strategies of Macy's and Nordstrom. Renovations and tenant mix adjustments responded to competition from lifestyle centers like The Grove (Los Angeles) and urban projects in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Somerset's history intersects with regional transportation developments including the Interstate 75, M-59 (Michigan highway), and the growth of Detroit Metropolitan Airport corridors.

Architecture and design

Architectural planning for Somerset involved firms experienced with retail environments comparable to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, SOM, and designers who worked on projects like The Galleria (Houston). The two-level mall features a blend of atria, promenades, and luxury storefronts influenced by international department store typologies such as Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Galeries Lafayette. Interior elements reflect materials and spatial strategies found in developments associated with architectural practices represented in projects like Rockefeller Center, The Forum Shops at Caesars, and Westfield Garden State Plaza. Landscaping and façade treatments respond to suburban zoning regimes in Oakland County and align with municipal design review practices in Troy, Michigan. The design accommodates seasonal programming, window displays reminiscent of campaigns by Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada, and special events similar to retail activations at venues like Rodeo Drive and Fifth Avenue.

Stores and anchors

Somerset hosts a mix of national chains and international luxury brands, with anchors historically including department stores akin to Macy's, Nordstrom, and legacy regional names related to Hudson's and Saks Fifth Avenue. The tenant roster has featured designers and retailers comparable to Hermès, Chanel, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Rolex, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Coach, Michael Kors, Apple Inc., Nike, Inc., and specialty boutiques akin to those in SoHo, Manhattan, Rodeo Drive, and Magnificent Mile. Somerset's merchandising strategy parallels flagship concentrations found at South Coast Plaza, The Mall at Short Hills, and Tysons Corner Center. Seasonal pop-ups and luxury watchmakers, jewelry houses, and couture salons complement fashion-oriented anchors and emulate merchandising seen in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

Dining and entertainment

Dining at Somerset includes upscale restaurants, cafés, and casual eateries that mirror concepts from hospitality groups operating in Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York City. Culinary offerings have been compared to boutique dining areas at The Shops at Crystals and lifestyle centers such as Ponce City Market. Entertainment amenities include event spaces for fashion shows, seasonal programming similar to activations at South Coast Plaza and multimedia displays like those at The Dubai Mall. The mall has hosted community and charity events linked to institutions such as Children's Hospital of Michigan and arts organizations analogous to the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Ownership and management

Ownership and management have been associated with Taubman Centers, a real estate investment trust and developer with properties nationwide including projects like Taubman Prestige Outlets and centers in partnership with firms such as Simon Property Group and investors comparable to Brookfield Asset Management. Executive leadership has intersected with figures in commercial real estate tied to boards and associations including the International Council of Shopping Centers and collaborations with municipal authorities in Troy, Michigan.

Economic and cultural impact

Somerset plays a significant role in the retail economy of Oakland County, Michigan, contributing sales tax revenue to Michigan budget lines and supporting employment similarly to major employers in Detroit Metropolitan area. The mall influences local real estate values in neighborhoods proximate to Big Beaver Road and shapes consumer patterns akin to those driven by regional hubs like Somerset County, New Jersey centers and Midwest shopping destinations. Culturally, the center serves as a site for fashion, philanthropy, and public gatherings comparable to venues affiliated with Wayne State University cultural programming and partnerships with arts entities such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.

Transportation and access

Somerset is accessible via regional arterial routes including Interstate 75, M-59 (Michigan highway), and local thoroughfares like Big Beaver Road (Troy, Michigan). Public transit connections align with services operated by SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and regional transit planning efforts connected to Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and regional rail corridors informs customer catchment areas similar to travel patterns observed for outlets near Cleveland and Chicago.

Category:Shopping malls in Michigan