The Schuster Group Inc., a real estate developer, recently announced plans to build a new, 53,849 square foot retail development in the heart of Normandy Park.

Located at the intersection of First Avenue South and South 199th Street, the development will serve Normandy Park residents as well as residents from neighboring Des Moines and Burien.

Construction is expected to begin in July 2007 with completion expected in spring 2008.

Called The Normandy Park Towne Center, the development is designed to fill a niche for an in-town retail presence in Normandy Park, according to Mark Schuster, president of The Schuster Group.

Several businesses have already signed commitment letters to lease over 50 percent of the property, Schuster noted, including a 12,500 square foot athletic club, several 5,000 square foot dining establishments, a chiropractor, a tanning salon, and a "green," environmentally sustainable dry cleaner.

Other businesses pursuing retail space at the location include a bank, a coffee shop, a clothing boutique, an ice cream parlor, a florist and various other tenant prospects, he said.

"The Normandy Park Towne Center will provide a great gathering place for residents, Schuster continued. "We've found an ideal location, and our welcoming design will encourage visitors to spend time shopping and relaxing.

"It's a great chance to provide a much needed resource for Normandy Park and surrounding communities, and we're proud to provide it."

The exterior of the property will include landscaped gathering spaces, a pedestrian-friendly streetscape and parking areas

"We planned the space to be sophisticated and elegant, and to provide a perfect balance for a mix of retail, dining and entertainment," said Lawrence Houston, lead architect for the project.

"We're confident our design will attract customers who want a unique, more sophisticated shopping experience and a place to come together with friends and family,"

The vacant Normandy Park Shopping Center currently is located on the site of the planned development. The existing buildings are in poor condition and will be torn down.

Schuster said his group's development standards and their commitment to environmental advocacy will result in construction of the Normandy Park Towne Center with "'green,' sustainable practices and materials."

These will include recycled materials throughout, the use of low- or no-emission paints and other finishes to protect the health of occupants and customers, drought tolerant plants in the landscaping, and energy efficient heating and cooling systems.