COMINGS: Alexander Toyota moves into new dealership
Alexander Toyota is now moved into its new, much larger (45,230 square feet), much nicer, state-of-the-art dealership at 889 E. 32nd St. The phone number remains 344-1170.
“We're selling cars and servicing vehicles,” reported an employee.
And with the move, the dealership also has an addition to its lineup of cars and to its name. It now is the local dealer for the Scion and to reflect that, the name has been changed to Alexander Toyota-Scion.
With the completion of the new dealership, the demolition of the old building was underway last week. That space will then become parking.
***
September was a good month for the city's sales tax collections with some solid gains in retail and continued gains in construction, reported Pat Wicks, city finance director.
He said the construction jump was anticipated because of the activity for the federal courthouse and at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. But the retail increase of 13 percent “is a very pleasant surprise.”
He explained that construction sales tax is an intermittent source of revenue, but the much-broader segment of retail sales is a better indicator of an overall improvement in the local economy.
In September, the city collected $2.53 million in sales tax revenue, an increase over the previous month's $2.39 million. It also compares favorably with September 2011 when $2.25 million was collected. Calendar year to date, the revenue increase of 8.5 percent “looks promising,” Wicks said.
***
Log Cabin Quilts will be closing its doors on Oct. 31 after being “quilt central” for many who were looking for quilting fabric, thread, patterns, instruction or just an opportunity to socialize with other quilters.
The store was opened by Kim and Steven Elrod more than six years ago at 136 W. 32nd St. in the Big Curve Shopping Center. They are in the process of selling the inventory as well as the shelving units, display units and slat wall hooks. For more information, call the store at 344-3800.
The longarm quilting machine was purchased by one of the employees, who will be opening a home-based quilting service soon.
***
Plans have been submitted by Gowan Company to remodel the first floor of the former Robert E. Lee Hotel for engineering/research laboratory offices, reported Alan Kircher, city of Yuma deputy building official.
The downtown landmark hotel, built in 1917, was bought last year by Lee Hotel LLC, a company held by the Jessen family. The family also owns the former post office next door that now is the headquarters for the Jessen-held Gowan Company. At the time of the hotel's purchase, Juli Jessen said the family had no definite plans but just wanted to preserve the historic building.
***
In other city building activity, Kircher reported that building permits have been issued for:
• Tenant improvements for Aeropostale, which is opening a store at Yuma Palms Regional Center in Suite D-4.
• Solar photovoltaic canopies for Crane Centennial Middle School and Crane Valley Horizon School.
• Second phase of La Posada Apartments for the construction of 64 units.
• Manzella Laundry, which is going in to the Cielo Verde Shops, Suite B6.
• Sushi bar remodeling at Yuma Palace (formerly known as Mandarin Palace and more recently Grand Buffet).
• Renovations at Yuma Regional Medical Center for a hybrid heart catheterization lab with open heart surgery capabilities.
In addition, YRMC has submitted plans for two projects: dialysis renovation and outpatient pharmacy renovation.
***
The Chile Pepper will be featured in the Arizona Highways magazine. The story will be placed in “The Journal” section of the February 2013 edition.
On Oct. 2, Kathy Ritchie, associate editor for the magazine, and Paul Markow, of Paul Markow Photography, arrived at The Chile Pepper to get the scoop. While Ritchie inked the story, Markow scouted the interior of The Chile Pepper for the perfect spot to grab some photos.
The restaurant had been recommended by the Yuma Visitors Bureau as a “must try” spot. Check out Chile Pepper's Facebook page for photos of the shoot.
***
Apparently there's some confusion among Foothills-area residents whether it's Denny's Restaurant or Aaron's Furniture and Appliances that's coming to the shopping center next to the new Fry's Grocery Store. The good news is that both are coming.
Aaron's has been confirmed as a tenant in Fortuna Commons, the 12,000-square-foot strip center under construction next to Fry's. No opening date has been confirmed yet for the store, which offers lease to own and financing for its residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and home appliances.
Todd Kjar of Brown Development Group, which is developing Fortuna Commons, said he is negotiating with other potential tenants.
Meanwhile, construction is moving along for Denny's. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant will occupy a free-standing pad just east of Chase Bank. There's no confirmed opening date for it either — but perhaps as a Christmas present for Foothills residents?
***
The Foothills Bank, headed by President and CEO Wayne Gale, has been named the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Month for October.
Yuma's oldest community bank, The Foothills Bank has been serving the financial needs of the Yuma area for nearly 15 years. It now has four locations: 11689 S. Foothills Blvd., 2201 S. Avenue A, 6024 E. 32nd St. and 2855 S. 4th Ave. It also now has three branches outside the Yuma area in Casa Grande, Prescott and Chino Valley.
The bank continues to focus on conservative lending, flexible financial products and providing “personal touch” service.
Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.
