MILWAUKEE -- As the Shops of Grand Avenue begin their massive redevelopment, one thing owners want to make sure they get is a grocery store on its first floor.
The Milwaukee Business Journal reports owners say they have about 20,000 square feet in the first floor of the historic Plankinton Arcade. This space is part of the mall's plan to transform itself. With the new store also comes a food hall, apartments and offices into the building.
Tony Janowiec, one of the co-owners, said that since they are holding out for a grocer, the 20,000 square feet renovation may be the last thing to be completed.
"We have had a number of offers on this space and we have rejected all of them because we are waiting for a grocery use here," Janowiec said to the audience at a Tempo Milwaukee event last Thursday.
Some of the options Janowiec and the other owners have looked at include Target and Trader Joe's, with the later being already taken off the table as Grand Avenue is too close to other Trader Joe's locations.
Target, however, would be an incredible fit according to Janowiec. He says the retailer is perhaps the most frequently named retailer when people are asked what they'd like to see downtown.
The other renovations have been planned out as well with the new food hall consisting solely of Milwaukee companies, the offices being used to attract smaller businesses to move downtown and the apartments having their own fitness center.
