Brooklyn Center’s Shingle Creek Crossing Development Described as “Challenging”

Frank Gatlin, the developer of Shingle Creek Crossing in Brooklyn Center, described the project as challenging in a city council meeting this week.

Seven years ago this month the Walmart store opened in the space that was Brookdale Center shopping mall. That opening kicked off the Shingle Creek Crossing development.

“What a challenge it was and still is today,” explained Gatlin to city council this week. “It was a major undertaking… a lot more than I gave credit to at the time.”

Gatlin told city council in the time he’s been working on the Shingle Creek Crossing development, he’s finished more than 20 properties like it elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Gatlin said he will not stop trying to find tenants that can lure people to the property.

“That destination entertainment is what takes people off the sofa and gives them something to do,” said Gatlin. “When you get people that want a date night, to go bowling or to go to the movies and go eat, what brings those restaurants? Destination entertainment.”

One example of destination entertainment already exists in Brooklyn Center. Topgolf opened a year ago in Brooklyn Center.

During the presentation, Gatlin did mention a few businesses and restaurants that are in the works. One restaurant is called Bayou Seafood Factory and there’s also an automated car wash.  

Brooklyn Center