Allison T. Williams

Contractors are putting the finishing touches on Suffolk Specialty Shops this week, paving the way for a half-dozen new businesses to open within the next couple of months.

The 15,200-square-foot shopping center on North Main Street will be home to the three eateries, including the city’s first full-service Starbucks, a Tropical Smoothie Caf\u00E9 and

Firehouse Subs, said Bradford Brown, spokesman for Robert Brown & Associates, the Norfolk-based development company.

The company has also signed contracts with Alltel Wireless, Mattress Warehouse and Great Clips, a hair salon, he said.

Just one 900-square-foot shop remains vacant, Brown said.

“We’ve talked to several businesses interested in the space, including a jeweler and a florist. It’s just a matter of finding the right store.”

Crews will spend the new few days installing awnings, finishing the paving and striping of the parking lot and cleaning up, Brown said.

Then, individual store operators will spend the next month or so customizing their respective spaces, he said.

Brown is excited about all his company’s $3 million project is bringing to the thriving extended downtown community.

“I think we have changed the image of Main Street for the better,” he said. “All the development going on in that corridor makes Main Street the place to be in Suffolk right now.”

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com