The number of shops in the Lexington Center dwindles. A local jeweler moves out.

Sheila Bayes Fine Jewelers opened in the downtown Lexington Center Shops 22 years ago, but in February the store is moving to The Summit at Fritz Farm on Nicholasville Road.

Like many other shops in the retail center adjacent to Rupp Arena, the move is taking place because renovations to the space are expected to start this summer.

Bill Owen, president and chief executive officer of Lexington Center, said the remaining tenants — which include four stores, three food court eateries and one bar and grill — are welcome to remain until construction work begins in their area in the latter part of the remodel.

The Lexington Center Corp. oversees Rupp, the Lexington Convention Center and the Lexington Opera House.

Design plans for the convention center, the cost of which is expected to be $265 million, are expected to be completed in April, followed by a bidding period, Owen said.

Recent departures from the Lexington Center shops include Artique, Straus Tobacconist and Cosi, which has retained an option to open during special events. Before that, Lafayette Galleries, the Toy Shop and the Hallmark store also departed.

During their heyday, the shops were a staple of upscale downtown shopping. But at lunchtime one day last week, , a single person was in line at the Arby’s, and at one point no one was seated in the large food court dining area on the ground floor

The number of retailers has been dwindling since the renovation was announced.

The new Sheila Bayes Fine Jewelers will be located in the Summit between Ariat, the equestrian footwear and accessories store, and Scout & Molly’s, which sells women’s clothes and accessories, according to Rachael Kennedy, sales and marketing director.

Bayes opened her jewelry store 23 years ago at Fayette Mall. A year later she moved to Lexington Center, first to a small space, then a larger one.

Old Kentucky Chocolates is still open and will remain so for the foreseeable future, said co-owner Julia Kirkpatrick: “We have no plans to make a change at this time.”

Sherreen Leyden of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, was visiting Lexington with her husband. She strolled amid the limited selection of shops, made a purchase at Old Kentucky Chocolates and wondered if the lack of shops meant there was little to do in downtown Lexington.

“I came out to explore,” she said.

Eventually she crossed toward The Square complex of stores and restaurants which runs between Vine and Short streets on Broadway.

This story was originally published January 29, 2018 at 12:05 PM with the headline "The number of shops in the Lexington Center dwindles. A local jeweler moves out.."