Plans for the old Target space

It's one of the biggest paradoxes in Grand Forks: what to do with that old Target store space at Columbia Mall? Target Corporation used to own the space, but sold it to the owners of the mall, GK Development, a while back and now GK is entertaining proposals from potential tenants.

The idea put forth by GK no longer looks for just one major store to occupy the space. Instead, a more likely outcome would see the space renovated for a variety of smaller tenants. The possibility remains that a renovation could simply just make the Target space an extension of the existing west wing of the mall. However, I'm guessing that we aren't going to see just an extension of the existing wing here...I'm betting that a small-scale "lifestyle center" will occupy the space. This would mean not just one big tenant, but also not just a bunch of small sized typical mall stores. A lifestyle center concept here would more than likely mean one or two larger tenants and several mid-sized tenants. If the concept stayed true to the lifestyle center model, the tenants would be higher-end retailers and the public spaces would give a very high-end feeling.

I've started thinking about what possibilities might be in store for the space and I even drew up a few ideas. You'll note that all four plans presented here include a Barnes and Noble store anchoring the west end of the Target space. I think a new book store...preferably a B&N... would be a perfect fit for this space and is really something the community wants. I also really think a Panera Bread (or something like it) would be a very good fit for a portion of this space. Just to give you a point of reference, the Barnes and Noble that I've included in the plans is actually a little larger than the size of the Fargo store.

Plan #1This concept includes B&N anchoring the western portion of the space and two slightly smaller retailers and a Panera (or something liek it) taking up the bulk of the space. As far as what might fill the other store spaces here, think something along the lines of Trader Joe's and perhaps a higher-end clothing or home store.


Plan #2In addition to the B&N and a Panera, this concept includes several smaller stores facing smaller hallways than what presently exist at the mall. I'm thinking these hallways would need to be fairly narrow to accommodate the space needed for multiple small stores. I would like to see a whole bunch of skylights in these hallways. I think with skylights and with proper decor, narrow hallways could actually be quite nice. As far as what would go in these stores, I would imagine some of the higher end clothing stores that presently exist in a city like Fargo but that we're lacking in Grand Forks.


Plan #3This concept includes just B&N and a large department store-sized spot. Perhaps a Herberger's? If the space isn't big enough for a department store, I suppose the building could always be built out farther north.


Plan #4This concept includes the prerequisite B&N and many small typically mall-sized retailers. I personally would like to see larger stores go into this space than what I'm showing here. I think several larger sized stores in this space would be a bigger draw than a bunch of smaller stores.

So, what do you think of my ideas? Which one(s) do you prefer? Are they all feasible or are there any pipe dreams among the bunch? What retailers and/or restaurants would you like to see fill some of these spaces? Would you be satisfied seeing a Barnes and Noble take up a good portion of the old Target space? Share you thoughts!