Indoor swap meet planned for vacant Mervyn's store

Noticed some activity at the long vacant Mervyn's store last week. Come to find out that an indoor mini-mall will be going in there, with a target opening in September and a grand opening in November.

Yuma Indoor Marketplace is the project of Jeff Marriott, owner of Shady Biz LLC. He said he has 105 spaces available, 98 percent of them already spoken for. About 50 are new businesses in town; others are established local retailers who have been located elsewhere and are excited about the prospect of being indoors and the possibility of being open year-round.

Marriott said he also has made an offer to lease the former Target building next door as the second phase of the indoor mall. That will have about 150 spaces. If interested, give him a call at 1-928-234-2039 (the 928 is needed).

"I told a couple of people about it," Marriott said. The next thing he knew, he was "swamped" with businesses wanting in. "It was amazing ... the positive response."

He said he's been hearing from residents in the area who also are excited about the mall coming.

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The May issue of Yuma Business Direct is now available online at businessinyuma.com.

The cover story features Jerry LoCoco and Drew Pilkington, owners of LoCoco-Pilkington Construction, who see themselves as the next generation in the contracting business. The two young men became friends in high school, learned the construction trade together under the tutelage of Pilkington's parents and uncles and in 2007 formed their own company.

Helen Knox, a familiar presence at the Yuma Visitor Information Center, answers questions in the monthly profile of people in the hospitality industry. She started as a volunteer in 2001 and two years later became a part-time employee. The best part of the job, she said, is meeting people from all over the world.

Also featured is Time Warner Cable, recognized as the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for its commitment to the community.

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The commercial lending team for The Foothills Bank has relocated to the bank's 4th Avenue office at 2285 S. 4th Ave. The move consolidates the team members in one location for greater efficiency. They can be reached through the bank's main line at 782-7000.

The team includes leader Terry Farr, senior vice president/chief credit officer; Adriana Tansey, loan specialist; Ray Face, vice president/senior lending officer; Tracey Rice, loan specialist; Jami Frandsen, vice president/commercial loan officer; Travis Hice, vice president/commercial loan officer; and Rosa Quinn, loan specialist.

Recently rated 5 Stars by Bauer Financial for the 16th quarter in a row, The Foothills Bank provides commercial lending services for businesses throughout the Yuma area.

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The restaurant at the corner of 24th Street and 4th Avenue is starting to look a lot like a Sombrero Mexican Food with fresh paint and the signs installed.

To the question of when it will open, management is hoping for May 26.

Can't be too soon for one reader who e-mailed to say he's eaten at Sombrero in El Centro and is looking forward to having the restaurant close to home.

By the way, they say they're staffed for now.

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Two longtime real estate agents have formed their own office, Yuma's Elite Group, at 3325 S. Avenue 8E in the multitenant building next to the Foothills Walmart — chosen as a midpoint between Yuma and the Foothills. The phone number is 726-2962.

Yuma's Elite Group, a branch of Realty Executives, includes Paula Reece (503-9223), associate broker, and Billie Ward (580-0468). They offer residential, new construction and commercial sales and property management.

Reece has 12 years' experience in the industry in Florida and Yuma, while Ward obtained her real estate license in 2003. Both were previously with Coldwell Banker Crimson Sky Realty.

A fall grand opening is planned.

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Lion's Barbecue will be going into the former Quizno's at 712 S. 4th Ave., according to Alan Kircher, city of Yuma deputy building official, who reported that a permit has been issued for some tenant improvements to the store.

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Kircher also reported that plans have been submitted for tenant improvements to an office space on the second floor of ProMed for General Services Administration. The federal agency will occupy about 1,700 square feet.

In addition, permits have been issued for the interior renovation of Old Navy that will result in reorganization of the store.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.