West County Center Turns 10

It's time to plan the next decade of shopping experiences at 80 W. County Center in Des Peres. The "first" decade of consumer shopping there just whizzed by.

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West County Center first was built in 1969. The original mall closed in 2001, and a new mall on the site opened in 2002. Now that the center arrived at its latest 10-year mark, Des Peres city officials and shop managers are taking looks at how to ensure its infrastructure, ambiance and consumer offerings.

Des Peres City Administrator Doug Harms said West County Center retailers are under obligations to make improvements, especially at a significant juncture, such as a 10-year anniversary. "It's part of the normal life cycle of malls. They've done a good job refreshing things at the center, and we expect they will do the same great job in renovating."

Renovations are planned for several stores, which will take them out of service for three to six months, Harms said. "The store owners and managers are starting to let me know because their closures will have an impact on sales tax. And we will have to plan around our tax revenues dipping," he said.

One of the most exciting, new developments is that a LEGO store is coming to the center. Harms said some of the existing stores will be moved and reconfigured to make room for the LEGOs attraction—adjustments that also are part of the overall 10-year renovation plans. 

Read previous Patch article:  LEGO Store Coming to West County Center in 2013

"Getting LEGO was quite a coup," he said.