Lakeport Commons keeps expanding
By Bret Hayworth / Journal staff writer | Posted: Monday, March 31, 2008
Chasity Soto straightens a display at Gap Outlet at the Lakeport Commons Feb. 22. (Staff photo by Jim Lee)
Lakeport Commons, the relatively new shopping center on the city's southeast side, continues to bloom.
Those visiting the area just west of Lakeport Road at the busy Sergeant Road intersection now have the option of grabbing a sub sandwich, working out in a center open 24-7, learning some new strategies for school studying, shopping for bridal dresses and consuming buffalo wings in a place full of televisions. The options just keep expanding in the area, which opened in 2005 on 52 acres.
The arrival of Lakeport Commons delivered a mix of big-box stores like Old Navy and Kohl's, upscale shops and casual-dining restaurants that hadn't previously had a presence in Sioux City. In the past year, the big-box places maintained their businesses, while numerous smaller places opened, particularly on the west and southeast side of the development.
John and Gwen Hart of Le Mars, Iowa, said they shop at Lakeport Commons about once a month, sometimes taking in a meal at their favorite restaurant in the development, Red Robin.
"It's good for Sioux City, the whole area being built up," Gwen Hart said.
She shops most frequently at Kohl's, Linens n' Things and Coldwater Creek. Hart said she enjoys the option of parking closer to the store entrances, which isn't possible in patronizing some stores in Southern Hills Mall.
The city's largest retail project since Southern Hills Mall opened in 1980, Lakeport Commons was created by son Dave Johnson and father Jerry Johnson. In September 2007 the Johnsons, under Lakeport Commons LLC, sold the leased land for $55 million to Inland American Real Estate Trust in Illinois. The Johnsons maintain the undeveloped land, which is still being eyed by businesses.
"Lakeport Commons has been a wonderful addition to Inland American's portfolio," said Sarah Shearn, Lakeport Commons property manager.
"We've got a great mix of tenants and our preliminary tenant inquiries show they are very satisfied with the center's performance. They are excited to be part of a center that is poised to become the prime shopping destination in the area, and we're excited about the opportunity to create at atmosphere that will enhance the shopping experience and provide a place for the community to gather."
In summer 2007, Buffalo Wild Wings opened, and the first 100 people through the door won free wings for a year. The Sioux City site was the 442nd store opened for the Buffalo Wild Wings chain.
Later in the year, David's Bridal opened one spot down from Maurice's new store (after relocating from Southern Hills Mall), just around the corner from Buffalo Wild Wings. The nation's largest retail chain specializing in bridal gowns, David's Bridal also sells veils, bridal accessories and gifts, as well as apparel for formal occasions. Also opening in 2007 in the U-shaped structure was Sylvan Learning Center, which relocated from Perry Creek Plaza on Hamilton Boulevard.
Men's Wearhouse, a national men's clothier chain opened its first Sioux City store in November. Men's Wearhouse occupies 5,500 square feet in a stand-alone building along the southeast end of the complex, between the Olive Garden and Village Inn restaurants.
In the westmost portion of the shopping area at 5001 Sergeant Road, gourmet sandwich Jimmy John's business opened. Quirky signs are the norm inside Jimmy John's, like the promotion of subs that are "bigger, faster, deliciouser." Also in that same section, Snap Fitness 24-7 opened and Randall's Formal Wear moved over from Southern Hills Mall, maintaining a second store in the city.
In 2008 developments, a Gap Outlet opened on Feb. 22. There had been a traditional Gap retail clothing store in Southern Hills Mall from 2001 to 2007.
"It is our first outlet store in Sioux City, so we are very excited," Gap spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said. "We are constantly evaluating our store fleet, to make sure we have the right stores in the right locations. We just really think Lakeport Commons is going to be a great location for us."
Additionally, two new restaurants will open later this year. Golden Corral will open a facility and Texas Roadhouse will be kickin' up its heels at Lakeport Commons.
Those visiting the area just west of Lakeport Road at the busy Sergeant Road intersection now have the option of grabbing a sub sandwich, working out in a center open 24-7, learning some new strategies for school studying, shopping for bridal dresses and consuming buffalo wings in a place full of televisions. The options just keep expanding in the area, which opened in 2005 on 52 acres.
The arrival of Lakeport Commons delivered a mix of big-box stores like Old Navy and Kohl's, upscale shops and casual-dining restaurants that hadn't previously had a presence in Sioux City. In the past year, the big-box places maintained their businesses, while numerous smaller places opened, particularly on the west and southeast side of the development.
John and Gwen Hart of Le Mars, Iowa, said they shop at Lakeport Commons about once a month, sometimes taking in a meal at their favorite restaurant in the development, Red Robin.
"It's good for Sioux City, the whole area being built up," Gwen Hart said.
She shops most frequently at Kohl's, Linens n' Things and Coldwater Creek. Hart said she enjoys the option of parking closer to the store entrances, which isn't possible in patronizing some stores in Southern Hills Mall.
The city's largest retail project since Southern Hills Mall opened in 1980, Lakeport Commons was created by son Dave Johnson and father Jerry Johnson. In September 2007 the Johnsons, under Lakeport Commons LLC, sold the leased land for $55 million to Inland American Real Estate Trust in Illinois. The Johnsons maintain the undeveloped land, which is still being eyed by businesses.
"Lakeport Commons has been a wonderful addition to Inland American's portfolio," said Sarah Shearn, Lakeport Commons property manager.
"We've got a great mix of tenants and our preliminary tenant inquiries show they are very satisfied with the center's performance. They are excited to be part of a center that is poised to become the prime shopping destination in the area, and we're excited about the opportunity to create at atmosphere that will enhance the shopping experience and provide a place for the community to gather."
In summer 2007, Buffalo Wild Wings opened, and the first 100 people through the door won free wings for a year. The Sioux City site was the 442nd store opened for the Buffalo Wild Wings chain.
Later in the year, David's Bridal opened one spot down from Maurice's new store (after relocating from Southern Hills Mall), just around the corner from Buffalo Wild Wings. The nation's largest retail chain specializing in bridal gowns, David's Bridal also sells veils, bridal accessories and gifts, as well as apparel for formal occasions. Also opening in 2007 in the U-shaped structure was Sylvan Learning Center, which relocated from Perry Creek Plaza on Hamilton Boulevard.
Men's Wearhouse, a national men's clothier chain opened its first Sioux City store in November. Men's Wearhouse occupies 5,500 square feet in a stand-alone building along the southeast end of the complex, between the Olive Garden and Village Inn restaurants.
In the westmost portion of the shopping area at 5001 Sergeant Road, gourmet sandwich Jimmy John's business opened. Quirky signs are the norm inside Jimmy John's, like the promotion of subs that are "bigger, faster, deliciouser." Also in that same section, Snap Fitness 24-7 opened and Randall's Formal Wear moved over from Southern Hills Mall, maintaining a second store in the city.
In 2008 developments, a Gap Outlet opened on Feb. 22. There had been a traditional Gap retail clothing store in Southern Hills Mall from 2001 to 2007.
"It is our first outlet store in Sioux City, so we are very excited," Gap spokeswoman Sarah Anderson said. "We are constantly evaluating our store fleet, to make sure we have the right stores in the right locations. We just really think Lakeport Commons is going to be a great location for us."
Additionally, two new restaurants will open later this year. Golden Corral will open a facility and Texas Roadhouse will be kickin' up its heels at Lakeport Commons.
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