MONROE – A proposed shopping center north of U.S. 2 is expected to include not only stores, but also a big public plaza.
Developers recently presented drawings of a 34-acre development to the city.
The preliminary drawings show Lowe’s as an anchor tenant. The home improvement center is expected to be in a 170,000-square-foot building, said Hiller West, the city’s community development director.
Up to an acre of public space is being planned among the retail buildings. The space could be used for activities such as outdoor concerts, plays and art displays, City Councilman Mitch Ruth said.
“We are looking at many, many different kinds of activities,” Ruth said.
The shopping center is part of the proposed North Kelsey Development, which city officials hope will increase sales tax revenue. The city owns about 60 acres in the development.
Two companies are negotiating how to divide the 34 acres, West said. Lowe’s has agreed to buy about 12 acres for roughly $9 million. First Western Development plans to buy about 22 acres for $12 million.
The development is expected to be the single largest development in the city for years to come. City officials have held many meetings with developers, shaping the shopping center, Mayor Donnetta Walser said.
People have longed to have a public plaza in the city to enjoy art and cultural activities, Walser said.
“We want more than shopping,” Walser said.
Lowe’s is expected to start construction in spring 2007, West said. First Western doesn’t yet know which retailers would come into the shopping center.
“There is further work ahead,” West said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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