No economic downturn here: North Suffolk has yet another new development nearing the finish line.

The Harbour View Shops, which have been under construction throughout 2009, are slated to open within the next month.

The first of the shops, and one of the most encouraging additions to the development, is a Starbucks drive-in and cafe.

“Starbucks is building out their space right now,” said Chris Good, a leasing agent for the property. “It’s a big plus because Starbucks is pulling back on their locations, but they’re coming here.”

According to a March 6 article in The Seattle Times, which featured an interview with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, in the past year the coffee store giant has cut about 18,400 jobs and closed 977 stores worldwide.

“It’s good for us to have them open here,” Good said. He added that the store should be open for business in about two weeks.

But coffee will not be the only attraction in the more than 17,000 square feet of retail space.

Already committed to the shops are a sushi restaurant, a local credit union, a Subway franchise and a high-end hair salon.

“We’re working diligently to finish the rest,” Good said.

The development is located on Harbour View Boulevard directly across from the construction for the new Harris Teeter and its surrounding shopping development. Additionally, the new Hilton Garden Inn property is being built just down the street from the Harbour View Shops.

Good said that given all of the building surrounding the shops, a lot of work was put into making this development fit in with its neighbors.

“We really wanted to match the décor out there and use a lot of the design elements that are fitting in with the rest of the developments,” he said. “It’s a separate development, but it’s all matching.”

There is still about 3,000 square feet of retail space open within the development, and Good said staff has been very pleased with the way the shopping center has found its way in Suffolk.

“We’re really excited about it,” he said. “This all came together very nicely.”

For more information about the Harbour View Shops, contact Chris Good at 499-2900.