The tenants were drawn by Yorktown's location in the center of the Southdale trade area, just two blocks south of Southdale Shopping Center, says Jill Hagen, United Properties' retail leasing associate. United has leased and managed the center since 1994.

Panera Bread recently opened one of its trademark bakery-cafes in a 4,500-sf space in the shopping center. Jo-Ann Etc. opened a 34,000-sf home decor, fabrics and crafts retail store in the shopping center earlier this summer. The retailer relocated from a smaller location at Southdale Square in Richfield.

"Retail interest in the shopping center has been especially strong," since the renovation was completed late last year, Hagen says. The redesigned shopping center features a brighter, more contemporary look both inside and out. Exterior improvements include the addition of a raised facade with brick accents highlighting major tenants, new canopies and lighting, enhanced parking, newly landscaped areas and a relocated front entrance offering greater visibility to the Target Greatland store.