Here in Northwest Missouri, we know a lot about patterns.

Right now, we’re in a wet pattern. That means it rains approximately every 3 hours, 17 minutes.

For awhile we also appeared to be in a retail cycle. We were getting news of a new store or restaurant.... about every 3 hours, 17 minutes.

I’m starting to wonder just how much more rain we can possibly absorb. And even the most optimistic of St. Joseph supporters are questioning how much more retail we can support.

The scene seemed to have settled for awhile, but now that East Hills Shopping Center has taken its reconstruction outside, interest is reviving.

I’m excited to see the work at the mall. The last thing St. Joseph needs is an empty shell of a building at the most prominent intersection in town. It’s a long shot, though, that the community will recover all the money invested through the TIF district.

It does rankle a bit that the mall ownership, who for years seemed delighted to take money from the region’s shoppers without reinvesting much back in the facility, are benefitting so much from the TIF plan.

Despite the misgivings, the East Hills project is really picking up energy. Comments posted online with the News-Press article this week showed residents are looking forward to the new, improved mall.

I’m convinced that the city will be able to support both the lifestyle center at the Shoppes at North Village and an indoor mall in the middle of the Belt.

So many of the people who support these businesses drive to St. Joseph from other communities. The city needs to look for ways to continue to thank and encourage them as gas prices bump up against the $4 mark. Shopping trips to St. Joe will really have to be worth the money for many families to be able to continue the excursion.

An appealing, well-stocked mall is a strong attraction for the city. The made-over mall is expected to sport a food court featuring seven restaurants. I haven’t heard anything about it, but I think this would be a great place for an Orange Julius.

Another great fit would be a shoe store, especially one that carries lots of small or unusual sizes.

Original Pizza will get a new location and its own entrance, making it part of the mall while adding a stand-alone feel. This locally owned restaurant is one of the true gems of East Hills and it’s good to see it getting a great opportunity to succeed.

Home Style Furniture and Flooring believed in East Hills when nobody else did and I’m hopeful the store will get even better frontage in the redesign.

For too long, East Hills has been stuck in a pattern of shuttering stores and ignoring the needs of shoppers. Orange cones and construction equipment parked in front of the entrance show that trend is changing.

Now, if we just get a little more sunshine, happy days really will be here again.

Business editor Susan Mires can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.