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Appendix E: Relevant News Articles (cont.) .~tJSI tex~NOars~~ o~~,T~ T Real estate insiders fin~7d plenty to do inLCnlo~rt:~hwest Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal -October 14, 2005 by Sue Rich Contributing writer The northwest suburbs have rapidly emerged as the "it" quadrant of the metro area. While large-scale attractions aim to give the Mall of America a run for its money, new urbanism-inspired developments aim to rival both downtown and rural life by combining convenience with charm. Movers and shakers in the northwest real estate scene are not only confident in the success of their companies and projects, but that their work will fuel even further development. Gary Hook If you haven't heard, a new Cabela's opened in Rogers on Oct. 14 At nearly 200,000 square feet, the development is more of a mall than a store and has garnered a good deal of media attention. Gary Hook is the executive vice president of Kraus-Anderson Cos. Inc., which developed the new Cabela's, plus 10 others throughout the region. Hook said the Rogers Cabela's features abig-game African diorama, a 45,000-cubic-foot aquarium, laser arcade, furniture store, general store, gift shop, custom fly-fishing shop and a "fantastic gun library." He said the store is poised to tap the steady stream of weekend warriors headed north on Interstate 94 and Highway 101, and firmly believes surrounding development is a given. "Typically, a Cabela's becomes a destination place," Hook said. "The one in Owatonna, built in 1997, has attracted hotels, restaurants and other retail stores, which do very well. It's the second-largest attraction in Minnesota, next to the megamall." Bob Fields LandCor Inc. is also in the act of creating destinations. The Maple Grove-based, full-service real estate company is headed up by CEO and founder Bob Fields, a well-known entrepreneur with extensive northwest ties and investments. In September, LandCor opened a 30,000-square-foot water park and 125-room Holiday Inn in downtown Otsego. It is part of the company's 250,000-square-foot Watertront East office and retail development. Fields said LandCor also is in the process of securing abig-box retailer for the site.