In a story that OnMilwaukee.com first reported, The Shops of Grand Avenue has signed a lease agreement with Gap, Inc. to open a new Old Navy store in the downtown shopping center.

The Old Navy store is expected to open in summer 2004 and joins Linens 'n Things which opens on March 28 and the TJ Maxx that opens a week later on April 1. Along with Express, the three merchants will anchor the shopping center's east end.

Old Navy's mission is to offer affordable, fashionable clothing and accessories for adults, kids, baby and moms-to-be and will do this with a new 15,000-sq. ft. prototype unit, to be built on the second floor of the Plankinton Arcade.

"The addition of Old Navy and their intent to open this summer will make for an exciting year at The Shops of Grand Avenue," says mall general manager Nan Schwartz. "We are confident that the mix of stores at the center will make for an enjoyable and positive shopping experience for everyone that live and work in Downtown Milwaukee."