Unlike a lot of markets where new stores have been put on hold, Wichita now has another large national retail store.
Lowe’s at Central Park Place on Maize Roadhad a soft opening this weekend (the grand opening is Friday), and there are other retailers on the way.
"The good news is… this was a site that Lowe’s decided to open," says developer Brad Saville of Landmark Commercial Real Estate. "They had stores on their list that they decided not to open."
Saville and Christian Ablah of Classic Real Estate own Eastside Investments, which is developing the 26-acre Central Park Placeacross from SuperTarget at NewMarket Square.
They’re in negotiations with several other businesses that could locate at the center next year.
"The thing about commercial real estate in Wichita is, even in these economic times… there’s still plenty of interest for good locations," Saville says. "We’re very proud of this location and think we’ve got a good piece of real estate."
There will be a 10,000-square-foot center in front of Lowe’s "where we’ve got just all kinds of interest," Saville says.
He’s talking with several restaurants — there’s probably room for two — and a couple of service businesses and a retail shop.
Across Central Park Avenue, which divides the property, there will be about four buildings along Maize Roadwith more restaurants, retail and possibly a freestanding bank.
In the back of the lot, adjacent to Lowe’s, there’s room for several smaller retailers or one large one. Saville says he’s talking with one large retailer who might want all the space.
"They’re going to look after the first of the year," he says.
Most of the businesses Saville is working with are national retailers or restaurants.
"We’re going to be in a good position to work with the prospects out there," he says.