The owners had originally proposed to expand the mall to bring in a Cub Foods store. The plan would have added 22,000 sf to the 55,000-sf vacant store site, which was freed up when Home Place closed in spring 1998.

But many neighbors, concerned about existing traffic problems and over-development, had long opposed the project. And the city declared that an expansion would not be allowed by existing zoning regulations regarding density of development.

"We will not expand the mall -- it's very neighborhood friendly, meeting all their requests," said Tim Prinsen, a spokesman for Heritage Realty, which last fall acquired Bradley Real Estate, Har Mar's formerowner.

Under the new $5-million renovation plan, Prinsen said that the mall would carve out an additional 4,000 sf for the Cub Foods grocery store, so it can occupy a 59,000 sf. A travel agency and the Roseville VisitorsAssociation will need to relocate within the mall to create the space, he said.

"The footprint will not change; there will be new lighting and signage,'' Prinsen said.

Prinsen said he hopes the project will be done by fall, at which time Har Mar will be 96% occupied. Its occupancy is now slight above 80%, he said.

Some residents are still worried about the increased traffic and congestion the store will create in the neighborhood. The original proposal was rejected by city council and planning commission.

In reviewing the plans, the council required staff to exclude roadways and include detached buildings when they determine what percentageof a lot has buildings on it. Roseville's regulations required that a shopping center devote no more than 25% of its land to actual buildings.The change put many shopping centers out of compliance, and caused quite an uproar among landlords and business groups.

Instant Insights /

After Long Struggle, Har Mar to Get OK for Suburban Grocery Store

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