In an attempt to improve its economic viability, Forrestal Village, a Plainsboro outlet mall, will be modified for the third time in 15 years.Managers of the University-owned property plan to fill current vacancies with professional services that will draw potential shoppers.It is hoped that those visiting doctors, dentists, lawyers, architects, insurance agents, stockbrokers and health clubs will also stop at retail stores.The changes, approved last month, required the University to alter the lease.A food court, along with stores such as Nine West, Famous Footwear, S&K Menswear, Workbench Furniture, Vitamin World, Bass Shoe and Casual Corner Outlet are currently located in the traditional buildings that line the two pedestrian-bare streets.Both the University and Plainsboro Township approved plans to reduce retail space from 200,000 to 90,000 square feet and use the remaining space for businesses."The University demanded that there be some retail, not solely an office complex, first and foremost because it was designed to function as an amenity for the rest of Forrestal," said David Knights, director of marketing for Princeton Forrestal Center, a private firm responsible for developing the property.Plainsboro Township required that the first level be filled entirely with retail stores rather than offices.However, the township views the upcoming changes as a short-term fix.
