A year after embarking on a major redevelopment effort, Town Square Port Orchard is entering a new chapter — one defined not by construction fences and vacant storefronts, but by fresh businesses opening their doors and drawing new traffic to the South Kitsap mall.

The mall has continued to evolve since management shifted direction last year, steering away from a traditional retail-heavy model and toward a mixed-use hub built around dining, services and experiential businesses. The approach followed a series of upgrades, including a new roof, sewer improvements and nearly $3 million invested into the exterior.

Now, the impact of that transformation is becoming visible. Over the past year, several tenants have launched inside the mall, signaling momentum that management hopes will fuel sustained visitor growth. New additions include: Lone Star Donuts, opening its newest location inside the mall; Cut to the Chase, a full-service barbershop; Dana’s Expressions, a paint-and-pour art studio; P3 Chiropractic; Mindful Motion Physical Therapy; Avian Massage, offering therapeutic treatment services; and Wine About It, a wine bar and tasting space.

One of those new tenants, Wine About It, is owned by Barbara Bradsher, who said the location felt like a natural fit from the beginning.

“I chose Town Square because it feels like the perfect middle ground — close enough to support Manchester while still being part of the heart of Port Orchard,” she said. “The community energy here felt welcoming right away, and I knew it was the right place.”

Since opening, Bradsher said she has seen strong support.

“The experience has been amazing,” she said. “The support from other business owners and the mall staff has been incredible — everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. It’s really felt like joining a community, not just opening a business.”

Bradsher said she hopes her business helps build that sense of connection.

“I want to add a warm, welcoming space for the community,” she said. “I want people to feel comfortable coming in to relax, have a date night, or bring their coworkers in for team-building.”

She said customers so far have included friends, family and neighbors from the McCormick Woods community, and she has noticed more people exploring the mall as additional businesses move in.

“With all the new tenants — from food to services to fun events — we’re really building a diverse, vibrant mix,” she said. “It feels like the whole place is coming together as a collective, and customers are noticing.”

The long-term goal, per previous statements from mall owner Ray Klein, was to reimagine Town Square Port Orchard as a place where people don’t just shop — they spend time.

Bradsher believes that vision is becoming more realistic as redevelopment continues.

“I think this building can become a real community hub — a lively place where people can connect, enjoy local businesses, and keep their shopping and entertainment local instead of driving to Gig Harbor or Poulsbo,” she said.

As more storefronts fill and daily foot traffic continues to increase, the mall appears to be gaining traction in its push to reestablish itself as a destination for residents and visitors

Klein said community response has grown more noticeable over the past year. He pointed to a recent Halloween event as a milestone.

“The parking lot was packed,” he said. “We’ve never had such activity. It was amazing — and we want it to happen more often.”

Looking ahead, he hopes activity and occupancy continue to build.

“Success is finishing leasing all the spaces,” he said. “We just want it all active.”

Cut to the Chase, a full-service barbershop, opened its doors Nov. 16 inside the Town Square mall.