Comings and Goings: Building valuations up

In a midyear report on city of Yuma building activity, Alan Kircher, deputy building official, said the valuations totaled $45.6 million for the first six months of the year, up considerably from the same time in 2009 when valuations totaled $35.1 million.

Some of the major commercial projects now under construction are the Greengate Produce Cooler at 32nd Street and Avenue 3-1/2E, Goldsboro Bakery on Avenue A, the new Asian Star and the new Arizona Department of Economic Security building on Redondo Center Drive, a nearly $5 million project, Kircher said. Other large

projects have been Yuma Vision Center, the addition to the Misenhimer office building, and a couple of medical offices and Avanti Skin Care Center at Tuscany Plaza. Also, construction has resumed on the new showroom and warehouse for WOW Electronics.

As for residential activity, there have been two large multifamily projects: Yuma Senior Terraces and La Posada Apartments, Kircher said. A total of 117 permits have been issued year-to-date for single-family homes, compared with 148 during the same period in 2009.

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In new activity, Kircher reported that permits have been issued for a major expansion of Champion Christian Church, 3625 S. Avenue 5E. The 10,000-square-foot, two-story addition will expand the church's

worship center and provide offices and space for youth ministry.

There have been some revisions to the exterior of the building under construction at Yuma Palms Regional Center that is to be the new home for Verizon.

And plans have been submitted by Ramco for a new office building at Olde 80 Business Park on East 32nd Street.

Plans also are under review for solar projects at the Yuma International Airport and Fisher Chevrolet. The airport project will result not only in solar power for the terminal, but shaded parking for much of the airport.

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Congratulations to the Radisson Hotel Yuma, which has been recognized as the best new Radisson for 2009, confirmed general manager Evan Fuller. He said the hotel was selected for the honor based on architectural design, the restaurant Market Wine Bar and Bistro and its ranking in the top 1 percent of service scores for all Radissons in North America.

Fuller also noted that the Radisson in Yuma is what the new builds will look like going forward within the brand. “This property represents the new look and feel of the brand.”

The upscale hotel opened in December 2008 at 1501 S. Redondo Center Drive with 154 guest rooms, restaurant and meeting space. It was developed by Jerry Philipps and his family.

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Renovations are under way on the building at 2355 S. 4th Ave. where Hunter Steak House had been located for several years until closing last summer. A representative for the property owner has confirmed plans that the vacant restaurant will be reopened.

Mike Tricker of Agro International Inc. said the company intends to improve the property, then operate the steakhouse rather than try to find another lessee.

He said the plan for now is to retain the Hunter name and operate it as a “nice steakhouse but more affordable.” Target opening is the latter part of September, but that depends on when the company obtains a liquor license.

Agro operates Pinnacle Peak steakhouses in California.

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Lion's Grill BBQ and Tacos is now open at 712 S. 4th Ave., Suite C.

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Blimpie's will be going into the Big Curve Shopping Center in the space formerly occupied by Quiznos, confirmed Irene Crites, property manager for the center. She said the restaurant has an anticipated August opening date.

In other Big Curve news, work is progressing nicely on the two-story building there that will house the new Asian Star restaurant, with additional space for retail and offices.

Asian Star will be located on the northwest side, with the front door facing north, Crites said. The tower on top of the building is for a giant clock that will be visible from a distance.

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Yes, Foothills-area residents, a Taco Bell is coming your way.

A company called Zee Tacos has purchased a lot in the Mesa del Sol Commercial Centre, reported Scott Spencer, developer of the business center.

The lot is near the new McDonald's that currently is under construction.

Zee Tacos is the owner and operator of several Taco Bell restaurants in the Southwest, including three existing stores in Yuma

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck

@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.