The Hutchinson Mall

The Hutchinson, Ks Mall is a sad site. I don't even think the mall staff would argue that point.

Ok really that's all the facts I got. The rest is my thoughts and opinions. I will need to throw a few rumors in there as well because I don't want to take the time to verify them or don't know how.

There is an opinion piece here (Hutch News, Western Front so I don't know if it will be there long) from a guy in Hays (not real sure why a guy in Hays is writing opinion pieces about Hutch Mall, but.. his business).

I disagree with him but not completely.

Here is my one sentence opinion: (and then I will get real wordy explaining it)

Hutchinson, Ks is not big enough population wise to support a Mall, a Walmart, a Target, a K-mart, and a Downtown Retail district, unless the Mall and the Downtown Retail District are very progressive and dedicated to succeeding. (I know, long freaking sentence, I don't care)

and ... They aren't. Well they aren't dedicated enough.

Walmart, K-mart and Target will be fine and if not, oh well.

Here's my thoughts/opinions/solutions/ramblings and this is where some of the rumors come into play.

1. The malls rent??? I really don't know the deal but, thats all your hear people talk about and they have been for years. Somethings up. If for nothing more than PR and the chance to get local businesses to contemplate moving there. They need to clear up the rumors and/or fix their rent rules.

2. The upkeep of the Mall - kind of a rumor because I guess there could actually be a reason why it is so crappy. The place is dirty and the sign, my God, fix the sign.

3. Downtown - I don't know the numbers and thats why this is a rumor. But, most people work from 8(ish) to 5(ish). If you really want my business, be open when my boss will let me go down there. Be open when, on a nice summer evening, several hundred people walk out of the Anchor Inn and want something to do. Be open 7:00 at night when I remember I need something for tomorrow but I couldn't get down there any sooner because I have a freaking job and kids and all that stuff.

4. Downtown - Fight like hell for Downtown - this is kinda a broad generalization cause I know Jim Sitenater and I know he is fighting. We have to convince the next person that wants to open any type of retail/food/bar establishment in Hutchinson, to do it either downtown or in the mall.
Make downtown a little bity mini version of the plaza in K.C.. A place where I can take my family/friends/just wife to eat, and then walk to our next destination. (Shopping, Bar, Ice Cream Place). Putting the next food establishment that comes to town at 17th and Lorraine or 30th and Plum does nothing to benefit these 2 districts. It also spreads Hutchinson's establishments wider than our population can support.

I know the owner gets to decide where it goes, but are these 2 groups fighting for it to be in their area? Maybe so, I am honestly asking.

Both could be great locations, and I do want to say that I know some people are trying with Downtown and I see progress, but neither can survive without taking drastic progressive steps.

I guess what I wanted to do here was lay out my thoughts and then provide a way for someone to answer my questions and tell me my thoughts were wrong. So, you can leave comments or email me from link on the right or even call me. Or just read it and cuss me.

Ok, I can definitely ramble, I am done , for now.