Theme shopping center near Lake Erie gets new look

PORT CLINTON, Ohio (AP) — A northern Ohio shopping complex built eight years ago to draw tourists near the Lake Erie islands is taking on a new look after struggling to draw visitors.

The shopping center called Harbor Lights Landing between Port Clinton and Sandusky was designed to resemble a New England fishing village. Developers expected to draw 2 million people a year to restaurants and shops that sold ice cream and souvenirs.

But instead, many of the stores closed within a few years. The Port Clinton News-Herald reports the center went into foreclosure in 2007 and was sold at auction.

The new owners now are focusing on retail shops that cater to area residents.

The center has a scrapbook store, a doctor’s office and two restaurants.