So, About That New Retail Center

As we reported last week, a new retail center near the corner of Rawson and Howell avenues.

In an item posted this afternoon by the Milwaukee Business Journal, headlined "Retail developer bets on Oak Creek," developer Mike Mehta spoke about the project and had some interesting things to say.

He told the newspaper the building was a "gamble," as no tenants have yet signed on, and also explained his strategy for attracting businesses. Click here to read the whole thing.

It wasn't a secret there are no tenants lined up yet for the 13,000-square-foot building, which has room for up to nine tenants. 

But that fact certainly isn't going to appease the residents who bemoan the number of strip malls along Howell Avenue. Even though city officials said there wasn't much else that could be built there, I've heard more than a few comments about the lack of creativity along the city's busiest street.

So, what do you think? Is Howell Avenue overrun with strip malls? Or should any development in this economy be considered a good sign?