Local

Reactions to Gig Harbor strip mall tear-down mixed

GIG HARBOR, Wash. — A plan to tear down and remodel an aging strip mall in Gig Harbor is getting mixed reviews from residents.
 
The project would dramatically change the Peninsula Shopping Center just a few blocks from the downtown waterfront area.
 
In addition to retail, there would be 144 apartments, possibly a public area, or what Olympic Property Group, the company proposing the idea, calls a town center and gathering place for outdoor performances and farmer's markets.
  
Some Gig Harbor residents say it's time the old shopping center got a facelift.
 
"Yeah if it's going to make things a little more prosperous as far as the downtown area I think it's a great idea," said Traci Crow.
 
Some don't like the plan.
 
"This is a Currier and Ives town and we want to keep it that way," said Joan Riley. "They put up 140 some apartments up there and it's going to look ugly. It's terrible, no it's a bad idea."
 
The strip mall was built in the 1950's when Gig Harbor's population was around 1,000 people. It's undergone several remodels to update its look. But now several storefronts are empty after businesses pulled out.   But some have been in the center a long time.
 
"I've been cutting hair here for 30 years," said Becky Kaupilla.
 
Kauppila says she's not happy she'd be losing her storefront. Her barbershop would be moved to a mall-like layout elsewhere on the property.
  
And she says if the center has to change she'd rather see condominiums than apartments this close to downtown Gig Harbor.
 
"Apartments sound transient to me," said Kaupilla. "People buying into condos means they're making their residence here in the harbor and have a vested interest in the harbor.
 
KIRO 7 attempted to contact Olympic Property Group for comment but the call was not returned.  On its Facebook page a post said no decision has been made on the project's look and that OPG is seeking public input on the idea.
 
You can find more on the company and the proposal here.