After a summer’s worth of renovation and construction, the Lakewood Theater Shopping Center is almost ready for new tenants Centennial Liquor and Starbucks Coffee, which will move in to the spaces formerly occupied by Matt’s Rancho Martinez and Matt’s No Place.

While Starbucks isn’t due to open until December, Centennial hopes to open by the middle of this month.

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Accessible parking has long been a concern for Lakewood Theater Shopping Center customers and tenants, and with the growing popularity of Matt’s, the Balcony Club and the recent revitalization of the Lakewood Theater, parking is at more of a premium than ever.

But developer Mark Miranda says the addition of Starbucks and Centennial won’t worsen the situation.

“We couldn’t have picked two better uses,” Miranda says. “Starbucks will probably be most active in the morning and after dinner, and Centennial closes at 9 p.m.”

Miranda also wants to soothe any worries neighborhood residents might have about the addition of a liquor store.

“It’s going to be a real upscale store,” Miranda says. “They will have liquor, beer and wine, but it’s geared toward an upscale (clientele).”

Hoot Gipson, director of wholesale division development construction at Centennial, says the store will have a refined look with such amenities as tile floors and wood fixtures.

“We think there’s a customer there we can serve,” Gipson says. “And we think (that customer) needs a fine wine and spirits shop.”

Gipson says Centennial has been looking to move back into the Lakewood area ever since it lost its space when Minyard expanded its store and parking area several years ago, forcing the small island of businesses located in the southeast corner of the parking lot to relocate or close.

Still, the opening of “another” neighborhood liquor store is viewed with caution by residents.

Paris Rutherford, vice president of the Lakewood Homeowners Association, says he’d have to see more of the company’s plans before offering his endorsement.

“I’m never a proponent of having more liquor stores in the neighborhood,” Rutherford says.

“On the other hand, I like to see reinvestment in the neighborhood. If it is truly upscale, then I’d embrace it.”

“I’ve seen it (the concept) done real well in other cities, but it has got to be showcased well and have good signage.”

Miranda hopes the entire shopping center benefits from the newcomers. He envisions patrons eating dinner at Matt’s, proceeding to the theater for a movie and then moving on to Starbucks for conversation and coffee.

“Everybody’s real excited to see Starbucks coming in, and the same is true for Centennial,” Miranda says.

NEWS & NOTES

Free Flu Clinic: Nursing staff from Doctors Hospital will administer flu vaccines in a free drive-thru clinic to adults 18 years and older from 8 a.m.-noon Oct. 11 in parking lot A. Wear short sleeves and receive the flu vaccine as you sit in your car; total time to go through the clinic will be less than 30 minutes. There also will be a “walk-up” station located in the lobby of the West Tower.

Ehrhardt Announces Re-Election Plans: State Rep. Harryette Ehrhardt recently announced she will seek a third term representing District 107. The announcement was made at her annual birthday party fund-raiser at Matt’s Rancho Martinez.

Doctors’ Hospital Golf Tournament: The 10th Annual Community Services of Doctor’s Hospital, Inc. Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 9 at the Riverchase Golf Club in Valley Ranch. Shotgun start is 1:30 p.m. Tournament format is Florida Scramble. Special Guest is Bart Starr, former Green Bay quarterback. Raffle prizes include Taylor Made clubs and autographed footballs. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds benefit community services for Doctors Hospital, including health care college scholarships and seminars, conferences and various other continuing education grants for hospital employees. For information and sign-up, call 214-324-6161.

Spaghetti Dinner: Boy Scout Troop 64 hosts its 30th Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Oct. 21, from 6-8 p.m. at Northridge Presbyterian Church, 6920 Bob-O-Link. Individual tickets are $4, family of four is $13. Scouts will be selling tickets door-to-door, or buy them at the door that evening.