Ridgedale Redone

HHS students recall their junior high experience as a time of transition, battling Algebra, sleeping through Driver’s Ed, and flirting or (less likely) shopping at Ridgedale mall. Now, that very mall is experiencing a transition of its own.

Ridgedale Shopping Center is undergoing construction in three phases to become more upscale.

The renovation began by increasing the size of Macy’s, will continue with the construction of a Nordstrom department store where a Macy’s Men’s and Home store once stood, and will culminate with the pending incorporation of three free-standing restaurants.

The second phase will also include the addition of two restaurants and a reconstructed parking lot with a pedestrian bridge leading to the entrance of Nordstrom and a connection to a prospective bike trail

Rachel Ricchio, senior, works at the Ridgedale store Len and understands why the mall decided to renovate. While Ricchio notes that the construction is intended to attract more shoppers, she observes that the construction has actually caused a decrease rather than increase in business.

“My store had to move upstairs, which has made it hard for our store to keep doing well because people don’t know where we went,” Ricchio said. “The map is always changing, and it is driving people crazy.”

Once shoppers find the location of their destined store, Ricchio explains that other construction complications make it difficult to shop.

“The construction has made a lot of the stores lose electricity and internet connection because the workers are not being careful with the cables. Stores have had to close for a couple hours because of these issues which has been harming business and sales goals,” Ricchio said.

The construction has also caused hazards for mall employees. Employees have been assigned parking spots in the back of the lot and are fined and towed if they park in front of the designated area.

“It is really icy outside, and it can be dangerous and a hassle to walk so far alone at night in the dark. Also, if you are late to work, the parking can make it more difficult because there is a longer distance to walk,” Ricchio said.

Even though the construction has caused short-term problems, Ricchio acknowledges that it will be beneficial in the long run.

“Honestly, I think the construction will help the mall a lot because everyone likes Nordstrom since they always have good brands. I think the construction will not only incline more HHS students to shop at Ridgedale, but also Eden Prairie and Minnetonka students,” Ricchio said. “It will be a great opportunity to get more people working because there will be more positions to be filled.”

Sara Anderson, junior, works at the Ridgedale store Francesca’s and agrees that the mall is changing for the better.

“The new stores are more high-end, so the tone of the entire mall is going to change. I think the mall will be better, especially for dances and events for school because we won’t have to go all the way to MOA to find a dress,” Anderson said. “This change was definitely necessary because I felt like Ridgedale was declining.”

Although Anderson believes the mall is going to cater to more upscale shoppers, she thinks that the variety of shoppers will increase.

“There will be somewhere for everyone to shop,” Anderson said.

For updates and information about the reconstruction process, visit Ridgedale Mall’s website.

All infographics created by Isabella Weisman, Infographic Editor.