Teen fashion store coming to Yuma Palms

Rue21, with the slogan, “Hot looks for girls, cool looks for guys,” is coming to Yuma Palm Regional Center, Comings & Goings has learned.

Plans for Rue21 have been submitted for tenant improvements to the space at the center formerly occupied by Ann Taylor Loft, reported Alan Kircher, deputy building official for the city of Yuma.

Rue21, a retailer of clothing and accessories for young men and women, opened a store in San Luis, Ariz., a couple of years ago.

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In other city of Yuma building activity, Kircher reported:

• Work is under way for a 40,000-square foot expansion of Johnson Controls, 3740 S. Arizona Ave. Once completed, the expansion will increase the plant's formation capacity by 35 percent and create an additional 50 jobs.

• That construction activity at the southwest part of 16th Street and Pacific Avenue is for the multitenant building that will become home to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The outer part of the building is nearly completed and work on the inside has begun on the space that will hold the fast food restaurant.

• As for Chick-fil-A, which will be going in next door, the plans are still under review.

• A building permit has been issued for tenant improvements at Yuma Commerce Center for GSA.

• A permit has also been issued for a 2,500-square foot free standing storage building at the Yuma Main Library.

• Plans are in review for renovations to the former DES building at 1220 S. 4th Ave. that was recently purchased by AmeriSchools for additional classroom space for the charter school. The school intends to be open for the coming school year.

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Speaking of Johnson Controls, the plant - and its general manager, Jeff Vine - has been honored as the most recent Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month.

The chamber noted that the Yuma plant ships out 25,000 to 30,000 batteries a day for several well-known companies such as Walmart, Auto Zone, O'Reilly Auto Parts and NAPA.

“The Yuma plant acts as a benchmark facility for the type of operations it performs,” the chamber noted.

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Spotted in the classified section of the Yuma Sun: JP Morgan Chase Bank has filed an application to establish a branch at 11225 South Frontage Road in Yuma.

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Wellton Hills Self Storage has opened its second phase and is now ready for occupancy at reduced rates and opening specials. The storage facility is located two miles south of Coyote Wash on Avenue 29E.

For more information, call 246-3719 or 785-4370.

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1st Bank Yuma has again received the prestigious 5-STAR rating from Bauer Financial Inc. This rating is awarded to banks on a quarterly basis for maintaining superior banking standards and reflects that they are financially sound.

1st Bank Yuma is among only five banks in Arizona to receive it.

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My apologies to Chad Jones, new owner of Yuma River Tubing. In an item in last Sunday's Comings & Goings about his taking over the business, I inadvertently give him an extra last name. Sorry about that.

By the way, last weekend the river was indeed a “cool” place to be, with throngs of people out canoeing, tubing, swimming or just splashing around and getting wet.

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