---

FOXBORO - For shoppers, visiting Patriot Place was like being a kid in a candy store.

And the more stores and restaurants that opened, the more consumers salivated.

The 1.3-million-square-foot super-regional lifestyle and entertainment complex began opening in its south retail plaza during the fall of 2007, highlighted by Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World's first New England store.

In 2008, in the north retail center, shoppers had new places to eat: From Bar Louie to Tastings Wine & Bar Bistro.

And to be entertained: The 14-screen, state-of-the-art National Amusements Showcase Cinema de Lux movie theatre; the Showcase Live concert venue, which has hosted such acclaimed performers as Al Jarreau and Peter Frampton; and the Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, an interactive professional and amateur football museum. "We had that common goal of getting the north center opened for this football season. We certainly accomplished that," General Manager Brian Earley said.

"It was an aggressive schedule to reach. A lot of tenants had to build their spaces in a short amount of time."

At the same time, the economy was getting progressively worse.

Today, about half the retail space at Patriot Place is unoccupied, according to town records.

Earley said Patriot Place officials have "a number of deals that are in different levels of negotiation" with potential tenants.

"Is it harder now than it was a year ago? Absolutely," he said.

However, Earley said, Patriot Place being up and running has helped it attract tenants better than other shopping centers that are less developed.

"Some of it was good fortune for this concept coming out of the gate in 2005-2006," Earley said.

Two more major attractions are slated to open in 2009.

The Brigham and Women's/Mass General Health Care Center will be a modern, four-story building with four operating rooms and a 16-bed pre- and post-op area for day surgery, according to Patriot Place's Web site. The medical facility will impact Patriot Place and, to a "much larger" extent, the community when it opens in February, Earley said.

Meanwhile, the four-star Renaissance Hotel and Spa at Patriot Place will debut in May or June, Earley said.

The hotel will have 150 rooms. An additional 100-room wing has been designed and could open as well.

Patriot Place's Web site says this about the hotel.

"As the only hotel at the world-renowned Gillette Stadium, it reflects the eclectic style and expressive nature for which Renaissance is known. Our new hotel is celebrating the spirit of the New England Patriots with the soul of a boutique spa destination. Our savvy service will entertain you while our luxurious spa relaxes your body and mind."

MICHAEL GELBWASSER can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com.