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BAXTER — A revitalized mall with two new stores, an increased tax base, new theater and more jobs is the vision of the new ownership.
Alan Retkinski and Alex Schleider, who formed Westgate Mall Realty Group, recently purchased the mall for $6.8 million from DDR Corp. They met with city officials Tuesday night detailing their plans for the mall, which crosses the city limits of both Brainerd and Baxter.
Two stores, Big Lots and Dunham’s Sports, signed leases to open in the former Kmart, which most recently was home to Steve & Barry’s. Renovation on the space, including a new facade, is expected to begin as early as next week. The stores plan to be open in March. That means additional tax revenue for the city and more jobs, perhaps as many as 50 with the addition of those two stores.
Retkinski said his New Jersey-based company, Lexington Realty International, owns and manages shopping centers and has taken other malls said to be in death spirals and turned them into vibrant destinations again.
When the Westgate Mall came on to the market, Retkinski said they thought it was a perfect fit with other properties they have in the region. He said they did due diligence on the mall for well over a year at a time when the mall went on and then off the market and then on again. With their existing relationships with retailers, Retkinski said they were able to ink deals with Big Lots and Dunham’s Sports.
“It brings life and vibrancy back to the mall here,” Retkinski said.
When those stores open in March, the mall will be at 90 percent occupancy, an increase from the 65 percent current occupancy. Big Lots is taking about 32,000 square feet and Dunham’s Sports is taking about 33,000 square feet. The mall will be left with 20,000 square feet to lease and Retkinski said there are letters of intent from other interested tenants. One, the new owners said, is a tenant that previously left the mall but has expressed an interest in coming back.
For the new mall owners, those things will fall into place but it has to start with a vision. “We like to dream,” Retkinski said, adding they wanted to take the model for revitalizing other malls and bring that to the Westgate. He said he believes the mall will be at 100 percent occupancy in short order.
A major part of the excitement factor is expected to come through the description new mall owners provided of the theater’s plans to build a new stadium-seating theater by the mall. Plans are for a 12-screen multiplex.
“We feel that will drive a lot of traffic,” Schleider said, noting it will create options for combined marketing, such as a meal and movie discount, and bring more people to the mall as well. Schleider noted Viking Plaza in Alexandria was in similar shape where a bowling ball could be sent down the hallways without fear of hitting people.
“We took it and literally gave it CPR,” Schleider said. Occupancy rose from 65 percent to 98 percent. And he said the same can be done at the Westgate Mall.
The new owners said they are not absentee landlords and will regularly visit the site every four to six weeks and be available to tenants.
“Their success is our success,” Retkinski said.
And they want to make it more appealing with more home comforts to shoppers. More immediate changes include adding free WiFi, which is hoped to appeal to students as they linger at the mall along with spouses of shoppers. Plans are to add a widescreen TV with weather and news updates and add a sponsored child play area.
In addition to the mall space, a 1.15 acre parcel in front of the mall toward Washington Street near Burger King could be home to a national chain restaurant. Schleider said that would add to the mix and the goal of bringing more offerings to Highway 210.
The new theater is also expected to be a draw for restaurants. Retkinski said they feel confident they will get a national chain restaurant.
Brainerd Mayor James Wallin said Highway 210, or Washington Street, has 30,000 vehicles a day traveling on that highway, rivaling Highway 371 numbers.
Chez Eider, president of Eidco Construction out of Chicago, said they’ll be bringing in local workers for the construction efforts.
Retkinski also wants to hear from shoppers and have an email to take comments, concerns or ideas and answer questions via info@lexingtonco.com. For more information on contractor opportunities, contact email@eidcoconstruction.com.
“We’re thrilled. It’s great news,” said Baxter Mayor Darrel Olson of revitalization plans and more employment from owners with a proven track record of success. “In this downturn economy, the things that are happening are really exciting.”
The mall will be managed by Lexington Realty International, based in Lakewood, N.J. When the new stores are complete, the mall expects to host a grand reopening. Retkinski said it will be way to show people there is more to the mall than a perception of a just a few stores and too many empty spaces.
As for the often talked about death of enclosed malls in favor of strip malls, Retkinski pointed to a study done by the International Council of Shopping Centers that during the last three difficult years enclosed malls have retained the highest occupancy greater than strip malls. In northern climates, it just makes sense, Retkinski said, noting with the changes on an already sound building, the mall can be a destination place.
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.
Comments (31)
Add commentGood luck with that. There is
Good luck with that. There is already a theatre in town, don't think we need another one and a sports store? Don't we have Gander mountain,and a couple others? Plus Costco is coming in,hope they can come up with better ideas.
dixiekay = negative nelly
Wow dixiekay, you sure are a Negative Nelly. The fact that someone is doing something to bring some life & positive energy into the Brainerd/Baxter community is a good thing! What have YOU done to try to improve the community, what have YOU done to create more jobs? Until you do something, you should be the last one to throw negativity at those who are doing something. Have you been to the one theater in town lately? The place is a dump, the seats are very uncomfortable, the floor is sticky and the popcorn is horrible, a little competition will only help create a better product for the consumer. I've been to theaters with stadium seating and they are so much better than what the Brainerd theater currently offers.
I applaud these guys for coming in doing something for a community where the unemployment rate is sky high and the morale is low!
I agree with Ariannah. Movies
I agree with Ariannah. Movies 10 is a dive. Who knows what negotiations are going on behind closed doors. Maybe Movies 10 will close and be bulldozed and be the site of the new theater. I doubt that there would be two cinemas. I also did a Google search for Dunham's Sporting Goods, and there are only a few similarities with Gander Mtn. Dunham's has a wide selection for sports (volleyball, hockey, snowboarding, tennis, basketball, etc.) Gander Mtn. doesn't carry anything like this. So I think both stores have a niche. And having a new restaurant off of 210 would be nice, too. I am happy that someone is coming in to revive the mall and the surrounding area. Some people just are never happy---probably the same people who complain that there is a lack of jobs in the area are the first to complain when something new comes in.
Setttle down Ari
There are plenty of people who agree with me and as far as me not doing anything for the community,you have no idea who I am or what I have or have not done so quit assuming. I was simply stating my opinion. As for the movie theater why don't they fix up the one that is already there, wouldn't that make more sense? Other people agree (if you would look at the other articles on this subject) that they need to come up with something more then a biglots etc. Otherwise people will keep traveling the extra hour to go to Crossroads, or stay in Baxter with the independent retailers such as Kohl's, target, Mills etc. They have all we need as far as sports stuff, and we already have 2 dollar stores and a Costco coming. wish we would have a Red Lobster or an Olive garden, but until then I will keep shopping the independent retailers and travel to St. Cloud for the bigger malls. Research the other malls that they have done before and maybe you'llunderstand my point.
"stay in Baxter with the
"stay in Baxter with the independent retailers such as Kohl's, target,"
???
You've got to read into the quote
{"Brainerd Mayor James Wallin said Highway 210, or Washington Street, has 30,000 vehicles a day traveling on that highway, rivaling Highway 371 numbers."}
Now to the uninformed reader, this comment from Brainerd's Mayor Wallin may appear to be a positive one. However, I can with certainty, tell you Mayor Wallin's comment was not intended to be positive.
He has for years complained about the high traffic volume on 210.
His focus for the past 5 years has been promoting a bridge over the Mississippi River at French Rapids...that's right behind the Airport for those of you that don't already know this.
he'd rather send potential customers around Brainerd than to have them pass in front of struggling businesses looking for additional customers.
Some elected officials will stop at nothing when it comes to getting their name on an unnecessary bridge.
Jeff Czeczok
Dixiekay, your post does read
Dixiekay, your post does read like sour grapes. I say if these guys have a vision to revitalize that dreadful mall, more power to them. Also, Olive Garden is just a step up from fast food.
Huh Dixie?
"As for the movie theater why don't they fix up the one that is already there, wouldn't that make more sense"
Probably because 'they' do not own the current movie theater. Who do you think 'they' is? These folks think they can improve on what is available. What is wrong with that? A step in any direction right now is better than doing nothing. Also if you KNOW what is NOT needed, then you MUST know what IS. Please use that knowledge to create some jobs and provide the service you know is missing from our area. Or at least tell someone else your sure fire plan so 'they' can act on it.
Dixie
To start, your an idiot! I don't care who you are, but from someone new to the area, I can tell you that the mall and theater are in desperate need of help. Anything done in that area would be a welcome change! Also, Red Lobster is the IHOP of seafood. Its obvious that you have real class!
belfour....
before you call someone an idiot, at least get 'your' and "you're" straight.
Regardless of your view of Red Lobster
I can tell you firsthand that a huge amount of locals would love to see one in the area and most assuredly would frequent it.
Regardless of your opinion, many of us like it and find their food superb for a local restaurant and the pricing is reasonable and fair.
I'd be happy to see almost
I'd be happy to see almost any mid-scale restaurant in Brainerd proper. I'd really like to see an independant, but Red Lobster would be fine. We've heard rumors of Olive Garden eying the market here, too...maybe franchise Italian?
New Movie Theatre
A major part of the excitement factor is expected to come through the description new mall owners provided of the theater’s plans to build a new stadium-seating theater by the mall. Plans are for a 12-screen multiplex.
Dixie and Ari I am not sure if either of you saw today's article in the dispatch or not, but there was another article about this in the paper stating that they are going to be upgrading the current Theatre NOT making a new 1 so there will still only be the 1 theatre in town! The question that remains is whether they are going to be bulldozing the old 1 and starting new or remodeling what they have. See the quote from the paper below: http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2011-11-16/cineplex-12-screens-coming#....
A new Movies 10, whether a retrofit with an addition or razing the building and starting fresh, is planned in Baxter.
Moviegoers who have been waiting for a technology upgrade in the lakes area may have the answer by year’s end.
Mann Theaters purchased Movies 10 in Baxter from the new mall owners Alan Retkinski and Alex Schleider Schleider, of Westgate Mall Realty Group.
Steve Mann, president of Mann Theatres, who is based in the Twin Cities, said Wednesday the company is working with an architect and contractor and expect to meet with Baxter city officials about plans in three to four weeks.
Mann said the plans are to convert the theater from showing 35 mm film to digital for better sound and picture quality. The conversion to digital, which is occurring across the Mann Theaters chain, means putting in new equipment. Movies 10 will also be changed to stadium seating and will provide 3-D screens, however they are not sure how many of the 12 screens would offer 3-D films.
Long story short here, There IS NOT a new Theatre going in they are either going to remodel the old Theatre with the new equipment or Bulldoze the current 1 and then build the 12 plex from there!
I for 1 being 1 of the many unemployed in the area am looking forward to many of the new job openings that are going to be created by all these new businesses coming to town!
I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE AN
I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE AN AREA IN THE MALL WHERE THEY HAVE SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES TO CHOOSE FROM FOR EATING, CHINESE, BURGERS,PIZZAS, THEY COULD BUILD THE FOOD CHAIN IN ROWS NEXT TO EACH OTHER ,TABLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM, SO EVERYONE WOULD HAVE A CHOICE OF WHAT THEY LIKE, WHERE I LIVE IN WI, OUR MALL HAS TACO BELL,SUBWAY,CHINESE, ARBYS,CINNABUNS AND A FEW OTHERS. A NICE VARIETY FOR EVERYONE, I AM GLAD TO SEE THE MALL BRING IN NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR BRAINERD/ BAXTER, IT'S SO NEEDED AND OVER DUE. CAN'T WAIT TO COME HOME AND SEE THE NEW PLACE ,
I MEANT TO ALSO INCLUDE, THEY
I MEANT TO ALSO INCLUDE, THEY HIRE STAFF TO KEEP THE TABLES CLEANED AND SWEEP THE FLOORS AND RETURN THE TRAYS TO THE RESTAURANTS ALSO SO THAT IT DOESN'T GET FILTHY,GARBAGE CONTAINERS THROUGH OUT THE FOOD AREA TOO, AND THEY ALSO HAVE A PIANO SET UP IN OUR MALL AND THEY DO HAVE PEOPLE COME IN AND PLAY IT, NOT SURE HOW THAT PERSON GETS PAID FOR DOING IT, BUT HE OR SHE ALSO HAS A TIP JAR FOR HIS TIME OF ENTERTAINING,,
A Sincere Thank You
I just want to offer a sincere Thank You to them for making the decision to invest in our community. Their understanding of the mall business and their relationships with retailers is obvious if they already have the leases signed. Let's assume they know what they are doing and see an opportunity here. Wow - what a different attitude than I often hear expressed by locals. The economy has been tough but there are many positive efforts underway here that other communities could only dream about. Every investment and every job builds a stronger base and generates more of the same. What do I mean - The naysayers should change their attitude because it won't be long before there is more good news for our community. And we should expect it - because there is not a better place to live than right here!
To the person that said that
To the person that said that they don't own Movies 10...
Movies 10 was purchased with Westgate Mall.... so they do own it.
Hmmm, I'm sure they are a
Hmmm, I'm sure they are a nice group of guys just looking out for our best interests?
rstoen12, RE: To the person...
From our story today (Nov. 17),
"Mann Theaters purchased Movies 10 in Baxter from the new mall owners Alan Retkinski and Alex Schleider Schleider, of Westgate Mall Realty Group. Retkinski and Schleider recently purchased the mall for $6.8 million from DDR Corp."
"In August, Mann Theatres bought out Texas-based Cinemark Theatres, which was their business partner in Movies 10. Mann Theatres is now the sole owner of the property, including about 7.3 acres and the Movies 10 building."
walleyeguy
While I may agree with most of your post, the part about "there is not a better place to live than right here" makes me wonder if you travel very much. I like Baxter, and the areas up north, but if we could bulldozed Brainerd, then I would agree with you!
Nice
Nice to see that they are going to renovate the old theater! Yay!! Looking forward to hopefully a chain restaurant like a Red Lobster, Olive Garden even TGI Fridays have pretty decent priced and a variety of food.
"Hmmm, I'm sure they are a
"Hmmm, I'm sure they are a nice group of guys just looking out for our best interests?"
You're right, Mav. It would be horrible if they make a profit from this risky venture. No benefit to the community whatsoever. Better for that whole area to just close up and collect cobwebs.
Why are some people so negative?
I would love to know why some people are so negative about anything that does not profit themselves?
I ask those of you: Why do you waste your time and energy to complain about everything? Noone is going to force you to go to the movies or to the mall. If you do not like the Brainerd area then move. But you will never be happy no matter where you live - happiness is not what others can give you. You must want to be happy and stop being so negative. Yes, I know your sayings: "If I'm not happy, then noone is happy" "If it doesn't benefit me, then it is a bad idea". Think positive for a week - you might decide you like it.
The optimistic people, who bought the Mall and Theater, are trying to make a profit but at the same time they will benefit a few people in the Brainerd area. While you are being pessimistic and then you wonder why you will never get ahead in life. Are you jealous? I bet you expect free handouts.
If it does not involve you then DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY.
mav7770 please explain
I seriously want to know what you're implying by your silly statements. I'm sure they are highly interested in making money for their company. It's called capitalism. If they make money, it might provide some jobs and vibrancy to this area. Is Walmart looking out for your best interest? Is McDonald's? How about the umpteen other corporations that are in this area? Do want them to give you a hug and tuck you into bed? Are you afraid that they might take over Brainerd and declare themselves king?
mav7770 please explain yourself further
What exactly are you implying? I’m sure these guys are interested in making sure that their investment is profitable. It’s called capitalism. Let me ask you this, is Walmart looking out for your best interest? How about McDonalds (I would guess not considering I see a lot of tubby little kids around)? How about the umpteen other corporations in the area? Do you want them to give you a hug and tuck you into bed? Maybe read you a bedtime story? I just don’t understand what you want from them.
If they are
successful do you think "Occupy" will picket or they will "Share their Wealth?"
Hmm, No, I will not explain
Hmm,
No,
I will not explain it to you. That, you will have to figure out on your own.
I Agree with GrandmaCindy
Great suggestion re: food vendors in the mall. :-) Have heard rumors for 20 years that Red Lobster might come to Brainerd/Baxter. I hope so! TGIF and Olive Garden's food choices are too similar to restaurants we already have. Bring on the seafood! I wish these guys and their new (and existing) tenants good luck and much success!
No please, enlighten us
Since you have it all figured out, PLEASE enlighten the rest of us. You are doing a disservice to the greater whole if you fail to share with us the wisdom you have garnered over the years. I have seen your other posts. Try not to let fear, paranoia, and propaganda dictate your decisions.
Grandma Cindy
I agree with Grandma Cindy. A food court would be a terrific addition to the mall.