In this three part series, LH Today examines the retail environment of the Walnut Hill & Audelia intersection.

Specifically, what challenges face the property owners, which key players are influencing change and what the right formula is for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Part One begins with research to help understand the challenges that face this intersection.




“For Lease" - At last count, there were 28 “For Lease” signs posted between the two shopping centers located at the intersection of Walnut Hill & Audelia Road.

This fact alone provides enough evidence for anyone to believe a different retail model might be needed for the entire area.

It’s been nearly a decade since the shopping centers at this intersection were fully leased and a vibrant retail customer base established. In the world of retail, that’s an eternity.

We caught up with Kathy Stewart, proud owner and general partner of one of the more successful businesses at the intersection - Highlands Cafe, in order to get her take on the problem.

Stewart would be the first to tell you that massive change is needed to stop the downward spiral the entire intersection faces today.

She has a unique perspective in that she not only has skin in the game as a business owner in the Lake Highlands Plaza shopping center, but she also leads an important committee for the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association (LHAIA).

The Land Use Committee (LUC) was formed by the LHAIA in 2008 in order to help its member homeowner organizations deal with the multitude of issues that arise from local residential and retail development.

The LUC is made up of about a dozen Lake Highlands residents who bring various professional skill-sets to the table in their capacities as city planners, architects, attorneys, and small business owners.

Given Stewart’s unique perspective, we talked with her about the long term viability of the intersection and what might be done to make better use of the space.

“It’s a challenge, no question about it," says Stewart. "However, challenges create opportunity and that’s how we are looking at it."

The Land Use Committee has talked with a lot of people in both commercial and residential real estate development, as well as people at city hall. Their opinions are virtually unanimous.”

“While opinions vary on how exactly to go about it, one thing is constant among all the people we’ve spoken to," she says.

"The available retail square footage is about twice what it needs to be at this intersection, especially with the Town Center going in right down the street.”

LH Today asked Kathy for her opinion on what type of retail environment would work best at this intersection.

“While this is my opinion, I think I speak for every member of the LUC as well," says Stewart.

“Our position is that the property owners of both shopping centers need to focus on establishing the right mix of retail and residential square footage."

"It's been proven that this intersection is a perfect location for the locally-owned mom and pop boutique type of businesses, but long-term viability will only be possible if the retail square footage is reduced dramatically.”

Stewart continues and stresses, “that regardless of what perceptions or opinions are of what will work at this intersection, it’s critical the people of Lake Highlands embrace local businesses.”