Progress is slow at the Shops at West End, but developers stay hopeful

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. - Ten ladies line one side of the bar at the Kerasotes Showplace Theaters in St. Louis Park. 

While sipping drinks and nibbling hors d'oevres, the ladies give the brand new theaters a definite thumbs up.

"This is nice," said Branddi Turnbough.

Turnbough and her companions have come to the theater to watch "The Twilight Saga: New Moon."  They all work together at nearby Target Financial.

"It's nice to have it so close so we can all get together after work and it's close for everybody," said Turnbough's colleague, Janice Gladden.

The ladies don't know it, but they are fulfilling the hopes of the developers behind The Shops at West End, where the theaters are located.

The developers are banking on people from nearby offices and hotels to keep West End stores, restaurants, and theaters full.

"We have that built in traffic that you can't duplicate," Property Manager Michael Landstad said.

But it's been a slow start.  Two months after West End's debut, only seven merchants are open for business.  There is room for 40.

Management says business has been brisk among the few restaurants and stores that are open and they say more stores are coming soon.  About 70 percent of the leases have been signed.

"In this economy, that's outstanding," said Greg Hunt, St. Louis Park Coordinator of Economic Development.

Landstad is optimistic that West End's upscale retail and unique attractions, like movie theaters with a bar and VIP seating, will keep reeling people in.

"Just give it time," Gladdden said.  "We'll keep coming back." 

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