KRTV

Posted: Mar 14, 2010 9:15 PM
Updated: Mar 17, 2010 11:40 AM

The outside may not appear any different but the inside has been changing, and The News Stations Tyler Mickelson explains how new businesses have given the Westgate Mall a new look.

You may not realize it, but just off of 3rd Street Northwest, the Westgate Mall has been changing rapidly, as new stores and new additions have been filling up the entire building.
   
Cande Recke, assistant mall manager, said, "I'm surprised in this economy, with the way things have been down turning, our mall has actually had a positive outcome."
    
From custom engravings to antiques, and everything in between, new business owners are trying to make the mall more community friendly.
    
Russ Hartman, owner of the new West Antique Mall in Westgate, noted, "It's the towns' mall. We don't want it to be known for anything except for the place where people go to stop and shop."
    
And it's not just the new businesses, but also the established stores that are pleased to welcome new customers.
    
Inge Buchholz of Inge's Fashions said, "I've been here almost four years and I have been very successful since I've been here. And I have new customers coming in daily."
    
And if you need a place to rest your feet while walking through the mall, you can stop at Foxy's Place, which is a coffee bar where you can get something to drink or have a cookie.
    
And if you have little ones, there are places for children to go and have a good time as well, such as Safari Land or even a good old-fashioned video-game arcade.

Most business owners would agree that the best part of Westgate Mall is the location.
    
Hartman said, "The location of it is the best in Great Falls. You are always going somewhere when you travel past this place."
    
And Buchholz added, "It's just a wonderful place, I love it here, I feel comfortable here, I've just really enjoyed my time here."