Shoppers get first look at Changes for Shoppes at Arbor Lakes
Shopping until you drop is what you would expect at The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes. However the retail environment has changed, leading to plans that will help fill empty storefronts.
“We are proposing to remodel this area and add a roadway and connectivity,” says Michael Landstand the General Manager of The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. “We also want more on-street angled parking and to add some new features to the area. Adding some new amenities is also part of the plan. We really want to improve the area in general and make it more convenient to the shoppers.”
The concept plans for the changes were approved by the city on August 20th. On Wednesday night The Shoppes held an open house to inform citizens about the changes they would like to make.
“We want people to know this isn’t a take-away from the shopping center,” added Landstand. “This is an add on and an improvement to the shopping center. We are just bringing it up to the times. We’ve listened to our retailers, we’ve listened to our customers, and they are demanding a change. Those who have voiced their concerns want to make it more convenient and to make the space more readily available to future tenants.”
While some shoppers agree the convenience factor would be beneficial. They hope that the area will still be aesthetically pleasing.
“It is always hard to find parking here so the extra parking would help,” says Gia Kruyer a frequent shopper of the Arbor Lakes. “I know things have been kind of slowing down here so I think more parking will be helpful with that. I know that people don’t want to walk all the way from across the shopping center either.”
Others say they worry the area would be more dangerous to pedestrians and drivers.
“The roundabouts are kind of chaotic,” says Amanda Wolford a frequent Arbor Lakes shopper. “Walking-through people don’t necessarily stop for you. I think if this were to turn in to a street, there would be more traffic more chaotic issues.”
City Must Approve Development Stage Plan
Overall, the Shoppes say they want to do what they can to make shopping as enjoyable as possible.
“It seems like today’s consumer is on the go with a busy schedule,” says Landstand. “So, the more that we can make the quick in and out accessibility available, the more customers we attracted.”
The next step in this process is for the Shoppes to take its development stage plan to council for approval. City Administrator Heidi Nelson said that at this time the shopping center has yet to submit that plan to the city.
