On March 28, the West Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission approved a request by Watson Centers Inc. to modify the west façade of Valley West Mall in order to accommodate a Noodles & Co. restaurant and a “future adjacent tenant.” The developer is proposing to add exterior entrances and a patio seating area for the restaurant, which will create “more of a storefront appearance,” according to city records. The mall, which is located at 1551 Valley West Drive, had a 92 percent occupancy rate in January, according to CB Richard Ellis/Hubbell Commercial’s 2011 Real Estate Market Survey prepared by Frandson & Associates LC.