There are (functional?) vehicle charging stations at Costco. The gas station is constantly busy. If anything, Costco and its gas station are the largest draw in the area. There's likely not a more profitable business use for that gas station property than what it already is.
Just changing the design of the property across the street won't do anything to draw more traffic to the west end shops. People aren't going walk across Park Place Blvd to enjoy the random selection of retail and restaurants. West End Shops may be designed as a walkable shopping area, but it's occupied like a strip mall. People go there to hit one particular restaurant or store, not walk/shop the district.
Not much has changed at West End. It still seems to have a number of vacancies, especially on the south end. This article claims 80% occupancy, but admits the south end is a lost cause. Much of the occupied spaces seem to be only partially open from my recent visits.
https://tcbmag.com/hempel-real-estates-west-end-play/
It's always had an identity crisis, lacking the gravity in any space to really attract consistent visitors. Is it retail? Entertainment? Pop-up shops? Its ownership never seemed motivated to fill spaces, likely using vacancies here to offset profits elsewhere. Maybe the new "local" ownership will improve this.