Yuma Businesses on the Move, September 2009

City of Yuma building activity

  Two projects have been completed at Yuma Regional Medical Center, according to Alan Kircher, assistant city of Yuma building official.

  An expansion of the hospital's surgery department has been completed, adding four new operating rooms. Also, renovations to the computer data center have been completed.

  With that work completed, YRMC is moving forward with plans for an interior remodeling project to establish digital mammography services. The service will be located at the Diagnostic Imaging Center.

  In other city of Yuma building activity, Kircher reported:

  • Construction is under way for a new home for Ambiance Salon and Spa in the Tuscany Plaza, 2851 S. Avenue B, Lot 12. The new salon will be 2,200 square feet.

  • Plans have been submitted for a 2,700-square-foot addition to the Chevron convenience store at 32nd Street and Avenue B. The expansion will nearly double the store and provide for more cold beverage service.

  • The new building for DaVita Dialysis Center at Plaza del Este, 7179 E. 31st Place, Lot 5, is completed and is now being furnished and set up. Manager Donna Gebhart said it probably will be ready to move into by September. The new center will replace the current dialysis center at 3010 S. 4th Ave.

  • Diva's Hair Studio by Veronica (previously in the Mervyn's Plaza) has moved to 1335 S. Pacific Ave., Suite 209. It can be reached at 726-5513 or 726-5527.

  • A permit has been issued for some update work on the Starbucks kiosk located inside the Avenue B Albertsons.

  • A permit has been issued for renovations to the building at 2951 S. Pacific Ave., Suite C, to Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizza.

Hunter Steakhouse closes for summer

  The Hunter Steakhouse, 2355 S. 4th Ave., is closed for the summer, according to a sign at the longtime restaurant. No reopening date has been announced yet.

Tropicana Night Club opens

  Tropicana Night Club, 185 S. Main St. (former home to Vibes), has opened for business, said owner Jamie Shaaia. The establishment will be open from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with live music on the weekends and disc jockey on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

  The phone number is 343-9000.

New day care center coming

  Hector Hurtado, who has an Allstate Insurance agency, has purchased the former Whiz Kidz Preschool building at 2332 S. Arizona Ave. Renovations are under way in preparation for opening a new day care center there.

  Wonder Kids will have room for about 60 children and will accept ages 2-12. It is expected to open in mid- to late October and will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

  For information about employment or registration of children, call Hurtado's office at 343-9030 and ask for Maria Galindo-Hurtado or Katherine Martin.

24 Karat Jewelers relocates

  24 Karat Jewelers is all moved into its new home and open for business at 2390 S. Avenue B - still near 24th Street in keeping with its name, reported owner Kathy Ahuactzin.

  The business had to vacate its longtime location at 2374 S. Avenue A because the property had been purchased by the city of Yuma for roadway improvements.

  The store has the same phone number of 782-3306.

San Luis Library moves

  The San Luis Library has relocated to its new home at 1075 N. 6th Ave. At 31,000 square feet, the $9.7 million library is more than 10 times larger than its predecessor on its first day of business.

  The new library comes with about 35,000 books, many more volumes than in 1985, plus something else few would have considered then: computers with Internet access. And kids will have a place of their own for study or computer games. Other features include an automated book return, cafe, meeting rooms, a larger children's department, plus an amphitheater for outdoor events.

  It is the last of five new Yuma County library branches to be built with funding from a voter-approved $53.7 million bond issue in 2005.

Airport marketing defense hanger

  Yuma International Airport officials have begun to market the just-completed defense contractors hangar and it is getting great reviews, said Craig Williams, airport manager.

  "There's been a lot of interest," he said of the hangar that is the first in a series of planned facilities for the Defense Contractors Complex on the west side of the airport off 40th Street.

  "We've shown it to several people," Williams said. That includes a number of defense contractors as well as officials from Yuma Proving Ground and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

  The 15,000-square-foot hangar was built by local contractor LoCoco-Pinkington Construction Co. at a cost of approximately $1.7 million to lease to contractors in support of defense programs.

  The hangar is completed except for a few small details, said Williams. For more information about leasing it, contact Gen
Gross, airport marketing manager, at 726-5882.

Bank sells building, leasing back

  Jouet LLC, a local investment group, has purchased the building occupied by a National Bank of Arizona branch at the corner of 24th Street and Avenue A.

  "We sold it with the intention of a long-term lease," said Tom Tompson, National Bank regional president, explaining that the bank will continue to operate a branch there and it is business as usual for it.

  The remaining space, 1,992 square feet, is being renovated and will be available to rent by late August, said Page Misenhimer Jr., agent for Jouet. He said the space would be suitable for professional offices. If interested, give him a call at 314-1488.

  About the name - Misenhimer said it is "toys" in French and he settled on it just to settle on what to call the investment group comprised of Yuma-area business people.

Quechan market moves

  A couple of landmarks on the Quechan Reservation have moved. Pipa Market and Quechan Barbershop have been relocated to the former Senior Nutrition building across the street, according to the Quechan News.

  Plans are to demolish the original store, built in the early 1970s.

Insurance agency moves

  American Family Insurance Lisa Argomaniz Agency has moved to 1455 S. 4th Ave., Suite 2 - just one suite over from the previous location, said owner Lisa Argomaniz.

  The phone number is still 539-9101. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Spa on market

  Polished Image owners Jane and Paul Muthart have put the business on the market after serving Yuma since 1999.

  The spa, 1575 S. 7th Ave., has consistently been ranked in the Yuma Sun's Best of Yuma for day spa, massage, nail care, customer service and Web site, said the Mutharts. They're offering a turnkey business opportunity with infrastructure, trained staff, equipment, marketing and list of more than 1,000 patrons. The Mutharts also own a private line of body products called Polima.

 If interested, call Jon Matheus at A.T. Pancrazi Real Estate at 782-0000.

Hotel earns Green Eco-Leaf rating

  The Ramada Inn-Chilton Conference Center, 300 E. 32nd St., is the first Yuma hotel to earn the Green Eco-Leaf rating given to hotels that are taking the environmental lead by becoming eco-friendly.

  The rating is earned by completing an environmental audit administered by iStayGreen, which maintains a directory of "green" lodging worldwide. The site allows travelers to search for environmentally friendly hotels while providing a way for hotel operators to promote the "green" things they're doing.

Carl's Jr. in San Luis opens

  The all-American hamburger continues to carve a niche for itself on the border where Mexican food has long reigned. Carl's Jr. has opened a restaurant in San Luis, Ariz., joining McDonald's and Jack in the Box.

  The Carl's Jr., located at 1517 N. Main St. near the city's Wal-Mart, is now serving up a variety of hamburgers, burritos and other menu items.  The restaurant operates 24 hours a day and employs about 60 people.

New vision for buying cars

  Jim Eagle wants to change the way people buy cars. He has invented an electronic simulator called the Autoport, which he said will allow people to avoid car sales associates and take complete control over the entire process.

  The Autoport will include several "auto-pods" that will be programmed with driving simulations of all new cars on the market. It will be programmed with every make and model of cars from 37 car companies worldwide for customers to "test drive."

  Eagle said the idea came from his daughter, Jessyca, who suggested a kiosk so people could avoid car salesmen.

  Eagle said the Autoport will be placed strategically in high-traffic locales, such as shopping centers.

  "The prototype will be built and tested in Yuma, possibly within a year, he said. He currently is in negotiations to find a
suitable location for it.

Still open for business despite roadwork

  Business owners along 16th Street and Arizona Avenue want to assure customers they're still open during the intersection construction project that has things a bit torn up and Arizona Avenue closed as well as the upcoming 16th Street improvement project expected to start in early  September.

  Customers also will be able to access the strip center and other businesses on the north side of 16th Street by using the alley off 1st Avenue.

  City spokesman Greg Hyland said the city also is working to assure access to other businesses in the area, such as National Bank of Arizona and Chretin's. He advised motorists to follow the detour signs and not cut through parking lots.

Stylist opens own studio

  After 20 years experience as a hairstylist, Melinda Rico has opened her own studio, N Vogue Styles by Melinda. While opening her own business required lots of paperwork, she didn't have to move a thing as her full-service salon replaces the studio where she had been working at 2375 S. 4th Ave., Suite 1.

  She's available Mondays through Saturdays by appointment - call 920-7777 or e-mail ricomelinda@yahoo.com.

  Joining Rico at N Vogue is Conchita Carvajal, who has 18 years' experience in the business. Her services include hair, nails, pedicures, permanent makeup and waxing. She can be reached at 261-1823.

  The salon also has two independent contractors to round out the services provided.

  Rafael Brown, who has 24 years' experience, provides hair services. For an appointment with him, call 782-5699.

  In addition, Arcy Hackamack has relocated her massage business to the salon. With 11 years' experience, she offers Swedish, deep tensile and hydrotherapy. She can be reached at 726-6069 or 287-9343.

Gama Automotive open
 
 Gama Automotive Center is now open for business at 6638 E. Highway 80 with a selection of "good, clean, preowned dependable automobiles that people can afford" for under $12,000, said owner George Gama. Financing is available.

  Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays so "people can browse in peace," Gama said. The business can be reached at 726-4300.

  In addition, Gama's wife, Rose-Ann Gama, is opening an insurance agency onsite. "That will make it easy for the customer to buy a car and get insurance all in one stop," Gama said.

Farmers agent retires

  After more than 30 years as a local Farmers Insurance agent, Lynn Evans has retired effective the end of July and closed his office at 1355 W. 16th St. His loyal customers will be serviced by other local Farmers agents.

   For more information and questions about policy status, call the Yuma District Office at 782-2991.

New owners for plan room

  Yuma Contractors/Engineers/Architects Custom Plan Room Services has new owners, Brock and Jessica Holbrook. Brock, formerly project manager for Lee Homebuilders, has 35 years' experience in the construction industry. Jessica, also a former employee of Lee Homebuilders, has 18 years' management experience as well as experience in construction project scheduling and subdivision projects. In addition, she is a licensed real estate sales person.

  Judy Gren, who has 10 years' experience in blueprint copying and custom plan room services, will remain as the plan room manager.

  The business serves licensed contractors by providing blueprint copying services and a listing of commercial and government projects in Arizona and California that are available for bid.

  The Holbrooks also plan to expand the Bid Bulletin to help homeowners and Realtors find licensed contractors for such projects as room additions, patios, storage sheds, block walls, concrete work, roofing, AC and electrical upgrades.

  The plan room is located at 1185 S. 4th Ave., Suite E, and can be reached at 782-8065. It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Pharmacist now at Foothills Walgreens

  Steve Eckert can now be found working in the pharmacy department at the Foothills Walgreens.

  With the recent opening of the Walgreens store, he closed his business, Eckert Drug, and transferred over.

  Walgeens can be reached at 342-1034.

Windshield repair business
opens second shop

  Frank and Son, a windshield repair and replacement business, has opened a second location at 1981 S. Avenue B - the former home of McDonald's Discount Carpet and at one time the Harley-Davidson motorcycle shop.

  Owners are Frank Velez, and his son, Jorge. They've been in business for nine years with a shop at 3007 S. Avenue B, which they will maintain as well as the new shop.

  Frank and Son offers mobile service and insurance work for windshield replacement, chip repair and window tinting. For more information, call 446-6109 or 726-7500.

Day care center reopens

  The Children's Center Inc., a day care center damaged by a fire in June 2008, has reopened after undergoing extensive repairs and renovations.

  The center is now taking reservations and can care for up to 103 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. It also can now offer care for special needs children, said owner Mindy McClain. In addition, the center offers before- and afterschool programs - busing available for some Crane District schools. It also is DES certified.

  The center, located in the Plaza Del Sol, 1701 Avenue B, has extended hours and is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For more information, call 783-8309.

Yuma Palms offers gift cards

  There are a thousand reasons to shop at Yuma Palms Regional Center, says Lorene Becker, property manager. Through Dec. 24, the management staff will be giving away Yuma Palms gift cards to shoppers selected randomly.

  "Each week I will approach shoppers, thank them for shopping at Yuma Palms and gift them with a $25 Yuma Palms gift card," she said. "I have a great time surprising shoppers and giving them a gift card, the shoppers are given the ability to purchase more than they had anticipated and the stores have the opportunity to increase their sales through the redemption of the gift card.”

  The Random Gift Card Giving promotion is expected to reach, and perhaps surpass, $1,000 in gift card giving.

  More gift card giving includes the Community Fund program where each month a nonprofit organization will be given a $50 gift card to be used in any way that assists the group, such as the purchase of an auction item, raffle item, door prize or gift to volunteers.

  For more information on the Community Fund program, visit the Yuma Palms Web site at  www.shopyumapalms.com.

Mustard's closed; Das Bratwurs
Haus leases property

  What was once an Italian restaurant soon will be serving up German food.

  Mustard's Italian Foods, 204 S. Madison Ave., closed effective July 31, said property owner Jerry Stuart. Business owner Scott Mustard couldn't be reached for comment.

  However, the little restaurant won't sit vacant long.

  The property has been leased by Barbara and William Bowles, who plan to open Das Bratwurst Haus there in late October. The couple, who have been catering for some time, had been looking for a location to open a restaurant and found exactly what they were looking for with the property, said William.

Insurance agent on move

  Insurance agent Eric Capetillo is once again on the move and is now located at the Farmers District Office at 900 W. 8th St.

  Formerly with State Farm, Capetillo joined Farmers as an agent in early July. He can still be reached at 782-4300.

Motel launches blog

  The Yuma Cabana Motel has launched a new interactive Web site and blog, announced owner Melissa Crawford. “One of the benefits of being an independent establishment is having the freedom to be creative.”  

  Crawford and her team are tweeting, blogging and Facebooking to enhance overall marketing efforts. “Social media marketing has put the fun back into my job. We will be offering specials, contests and 'staycation coupons' to those paying attention to our tweets!” she said.

  Of particular interest on the Web site is a collection of historical postcards and photos, and the Yuma Cabana blog offers valuable travel tips.

  The 63-unit Yuma Cabana Motel, 2151 S. 4th  Ave., has been awarded two diamonds from AAA. For more information, visit www.yumacabana.com.

Desert Dugs Pizza now daily

  Desert Dugs Pizza in Wellton is now open seven days a week. The restaurant specializes in pizzas, spaghetti and wings and also has a salad bar.

  The restaurant is located at Coyote Wash and can be reached at 785-9877.

Counselor enters private practice

  Kevin  Benbow, an Arizona licensed professional counselor with extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders, has entered private practice counseling. His office is located at 202 S. 1st Ave., Suite 104. To schedule an appointment, call 750-1775.

  Benbow treats both adolescents and adults. He said he specializes in helping people cope with chronic illness and end of
life issues, using cognitive therapy. He is being credentialed with several insurance companies and also will accept private pay clients.

Historic hotel for sale

  The historic Robert E. Lee Hotel in downtown Yuma, 390 S. Main St., is for sale. Built in 1917, the hotel has been written up in travel magazines and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It's listed at $1.85 million, said Sandy Hodges Baas, associate broker and Foothills branch manager for Coldwell Banker Crimson Sky Realty.

  For more information, she can be reached by calling 941-2388 or 342-0422 or e-mailing shbaas@crimsonskyrealty.com.