How will the Outlet Mall affect our Community?

This past Tuesday, the DCR Chamber was able to attend the ground breaking at the new Paragon Outlet Mall development. This is a huge project that we are so excited about, a feeling we hope is mutual with the community! This development will bring more jobs to Eagan, not to mention the potential for more development due to increased traffic in the area. I thought I would just review a few buzz worthy facts that are exciting for us here at the chamber, but also for our community as a whole.

According the city of Eagan website, the mall is set to open in August of 2014. It will create 400 construction jobs, as well as 1,600 to 2,000 retail jobs. There will be about 100 tenants, including some of the biggest brand names. Confirmed stores joining the project include Coach, Polo, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks 5th Avenue, just to name a few! Not only is Paragon developing the mall, but they have also dedicated themselves to creating a park within walking distance from the mall and the residential areas behind the shopping area.

The cedar grove area has long been an area for business; this new development is expected to further increase traffic to existing businesses in the area such as Jensen’s Supper Club and Cedarvale Lanes. These longtime Eagan staples will hopefully see an increase in business thanks to the outlets. Not only will this project boost existing businesses, but the hope is that this area will now become more attractive to prospective developers, therefore increasing the commercial potential of the area. From the Chamber’s prospective, these outlets are a great thing for our area and we can’t wait to see what kind impact they make on our community. We would love to hear what kind of input our readers have about the malls and we are curious to hear how you guys feel about this development. As always, thanks so much for reading and for your input.  

-  DCR Intern, Megan