[Winona Online Democracy] The recent Winona Post article on access roads for the Menards / Wal-Mart project referred to it as a shopping center. Whether that is the Post's term or someone else's, retail real estate developers, who make fine distinctions regarding such things, would say it more closely resembles a "power center." That is, an open-air center anchored by three or more big-box stores. The article featured a speculative list of nationally known retailers that the principals would find acceptable to be included in their center. If many of them do locate there, our Port Authority would be justified in regarding it as a feather in their cap, so to speak.
As proponents of Wal-Mart's arrival have pointed out, local retailers should consider relocation to the vicinity of the big boxes if they want to benefit from the additional shoppers that will be coming to Winona. And, since city hall wishes to spare no expense in assuring that traffic congestion will never be a reason for shopping elsewhere, the remaining lots at Riverbend will probably be as desirable as the city officials quoted in the article claim. What remains to be seen is whether Riverbend development will proceed with any sort of coherent architectural design direction. Land that is now used for storage lockers, auto salvage, and wood composting will eventually become too valuable to not be sold for additional retail development. So, will the area end up resembling Onalaska's giant strip mall or will it incorporate coordinated up-scale design elements like those used in what developers now refer to as "lifestyle centers"? Wal-Mart's effect on the prospects for a downtown business revival wasn't really discussed at the League of Women Voters sponsored forum last month. But remarks made by the Wal-Mart cheerleaders seemed to me to indicate an opinion that if much of downtown's retail activity were to be killed off, then it would be well deserved and good riddance. My apologies if I am reading too much into those remarks. Maybe they were just expressing a preference for convenient parking and one stop shopping or disappointment that many of our historic buildings have been torn down. In any event, if in addition to the big boxes, Riverbend included pedestrian friendly areas that simulated an old-time small town main street, maybe even connecting to the river if it weren't for the presence of the sewage treatment plant, future generations of Winonans will wonder how some of us could ever have questioned the wisdom of changing Riverbend's focus from industrial to retail. _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
