 With many businesses opening and closing along Highway 371 in Baxter last year, 2018 could see even more development along that stretch of highway. Clayton Castle talked to Baxter officials about future developments. 2017 was a year of welcomed change to the Highway 371 corridor through Baxter as the city saw a number of businesses open and unfortunately close. However, in one particular closure of the former JCPenney, a prime real estate location has opened up and could attract a fresh start this year. I think it's a tract of space and I think there's activity that seems to be swirling around what's going to go there next. While nothing has been announced for the JCPenney building, travel just a little north and you will find open Ulta Beauty, PetSmart and TJ Maxx stores which all opened in 2017. Next to those stores is Dick Sporting Goods, expected to open early this year. They haven't set the specific opening date although with how they're working on the inside of the space, I don't think it'll be too long before they are open. 2017 also saw the closure of Gander Mountain located north of Highway 210, but the new owners are bringing back Gander, sort of. They have approvals to reopen Gander Outdoors as well as Overtons and the partnership under that ownership is also to include Camping World. In parcels of land just east of the old Gander Mountain, a little strip that includes Einstein Brothers Bagels, Caribou Coffee and Aspen Dental were built and opened in 2017 with a huge bang. I think they're doing well. The building was built and finished last fall and both all three businesses rather are open and it seems to be busy and successful so far. As for what else 2018 could bring, well let's just say the figurative momentum compass is pointing north. Certainly there's a lot of discussion and activity regarding 2018 so we'll just have to see what comes forward and what gets built and but I think the trend is pointing upward in terms of development and construction. Reporting in Baxter Clayton Castle, Lakeland News. Other non-commercial projects beginning in 2018 are the Ascension Health Baxter Clinic expansion, the expansion of Pine Grove Estates on Clearwater Road and the expansion of CentraCare. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.