The future of the former Target store building is no longer uncertain.

The building, located at 620 Lincoln Way, will soon house three smaller stores, said Scott McMurray, property manager and leasing agent for Coppola Enterprises of Des Moines.

“We are going to split up the building and lease out different sections,” he said.

McMurray said Coppola Enterprises is working with six prospective tenants who are competing for the new units.

The new tenants will be named when the leases are final, and construction will begin soon after, he said.

“[The new units] should open about the time school starts in the fall,” McMurray said.

In the meantime, smaller stores in The Lincoln Center have been coping with decreased business.

“We are seeing a reduction of walk-in and walk-by traffic,” said Carolyn Cornette, owner of Explore. “There isn’t as much impromptu business.”

Other Lincoln Center business owners and managers said they have noticed similar trends.

“It’s been a lot quieter around here,” said Sylvia Sadowski, manager of Walt’s Books.

The small stores’ clientele also has changed, said Ladonna Heath, owner of Hobby Town.

“We are a destination store now,” she said.

“If people want something that no one else sells, then they come here,” Heath said.

Some of the businesses remaining in the center have been using new methods to attract customers.

Sadowski said Walt’s Books is trying more advertising and promotional events to boost business.

Other store owners are focusing on the benefits of not being in close proximity to Target.

“Parking doesn’t seen to be a problem,” Heath said.