All updates from the month of May 2007 are listed below.

Natick Collection construction continues to progress
Written by Justin on May 25, 2007 at 10:35PM

• If it's any indication of how close the mall is to opening, signage has now been installed on the front of the Nordstrom building. While I haven't been down to get any pictures yet, Dave of Natick Views has. You can check out his pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/14466146@N00/518447876/in/set-72157594268788188/.

Boston Globe story on Collection leaks new tenants
Written by Justin on May 25, 2007 at 10:35PM

• The Boston Globe had a story yesterday about the construction of the Natick Collection's expansion, which will soon rise to challenge Newbury Street. The story did mention two new tenants that have yet to be revealed: Michael Kors (most likely one of the "Lifestyle" stores) and shoe retailer Stuart Weitzman.
• The full story, which covers mainly how the Collection is expected to take shoppers not only from MetroWest but also from Boston, is online at http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2007/05/24/extreme_makeover_mall_edition/. Another interesting tidbit: WHDH-TV (Ch. 7) contributor Gretta Monahan was considering relocating her Wellesley "Gretta Luxe" boutique to the mall, but decided instead to remain in the more quaint, smaller shopping area that is downtown Wellesley.
  

Mom and girls beat up girl at Natick Collection
Written by Justin on May 25, 2007 at 10:26PM

• Earlier this week, a 40-year old mother and three girls beat up a 16-year old at the Natick Collection this past Monday. The abuse took place outside of Dunkin Donuts and Piercing Pagoda at about 5:00. Stores emptied as shoppers looked on to a stomping and beating escapade that resulted in the girl going temporarily unconscious. Marilyn Camacho, the 40-year old responsible for leading the attack, was also arrested last December with her 12 and 13-year old daughters outside the AMC Framingham 15 after being involved with a fight.
  
• The MWDN has more at http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/homepage/x165760447.
  

Speen Street roadwork underway
Written by Justin on May 19, 2007 at 4:21PM

• Two projects are currently underway to improve Speen Street, in preparation for the September opening of the mall expansion and the 2008 opening of Nouvelle. General Growth, owner of the Natick Collection, is handling the first project, which will consist of repaving the existing surface and constructing new sidewalks from Cochituate Rd. to Hartford St., in addition to the reconstruction of the Hartford St./Speen St. intersection. The project is expected to be completed by August.
• The Town of Natick is also hoping to complete the second phase of this work by the fall, which will be paid for largely with mall funds. This project will include rebuilding Speen St. from Hartford St. to West Central Street, with the addition of granite curbing, improved crosswalks; but despite the requests of many, including Around Natick blogger Dave Wodelya, it will not include the undergrounding of cables.
  

New Abercrombie-owned stores to open at Natick Collection
Written by Justin on May 19, 2007 at 3:35PM

• Two new tenants will be coming to the Natick Collection over the next few months. First, the Natick Collection's store listing indicates that "abercrombie", also known as Abercrombie Kids, will open soon in the "B" section of the mall, near JCPenney and Macy's.
• That's not all, however. Various indications from around the internet, including the Wikipedia page of the Natick Collection, seem to indicate that RUEHL No.925, the company's line that competes directly with Martin + Osa, will open in the expansion in September.