Dennis Castleman, vice president of marketing, could not providea cost estimate of the project as the plans have not beencompletely finalized. "We are still working through the details ofthe construction and infrastructure issues," he tells GlobeSt.com."Our intent is to increase the value of the center for both us, thetenants and the future tenants." The additional 7,000 sf will alsoprovide new leasing opportunities for St. John, according to JerryWit, senior vice president of marketing.

The plan devised by architectural firm Bignell Watkins Hasserincludes exterior upgrades - a modernization of the canopy section,the replacement of the existing columns with new structures ofround wood – as well as the addition of such architectural featuresas towers and roof scape. St. John Properties also intends toreposition the entrance road to Lake Shore Plaza and connect it toan existing drive at Lake Shore South, in order to create a morestreamlined traffic pattern, and to allow for the developmentadditional parking fields. To accommodate the new road, one of thebuildings within Lake Shore Plaza will be turned approximately 90degrees.

One reason for the project, according to Castleman, is that areadynamics are shifting and people are looking for more upscaleshopping. The average household income exceeds $96,000 within afive-mile radius of the retail center.