*Courtesy of Nancy Martinez, EPGNEWS.com, (Source Article)
June 16, 2016
When lunch hour hits in Vernon, the more than 50,000 men and women who report to work at one of the city’s 1,800 businesses have only about a dozen or so eateries to choose from, however, a new development under construction could soon broaden their options.
Located on the northwest border of Vernon, the 15,000-square-foot project on Alameda and 25th Street has already signed up Jersey Mike’s Subs as a tenant.
“We noticed there was a lack of high quality retail options in the industrial city and wanted to fill that void,” explained Jessica Pisula, director of marketing for the project’s developer, Dedeaux Properties.
The development is expected to open by Labor Day, Pisula told EGP, and could bring in 10 new retailers – nearly doubling the city’s current restaurant options.
The developer bought the property from the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority and in 2015 the city rezoned it for retail use.
Dedeaux Properties has a long history of developing projects within the city of Vernon and other industrial cities like neighboring Commerce and that experience led to their decision to develop a retail project in Vernon, Pisula said.
“When we meet our Vernon clients for lunch, we’re very limited” as to where to go, she said, adding she hopes the development will bring a variety of dining options.
With over 21,000 employees in a one-mile radius and over 280,000 employees within 3-miles, the location is appealing to potential tenants, according to Daniel Firtel, managing director of the commercial real estate firm Argent Retail Advisors, who added they are already in negotiations with several restaurants,
“There are a lot of workers but nowhere to eat,” he noted. “There is definitely a need.”
Founded as a city focused on industry rather than residential, there are not many lots in Vernon zoned for retail use. Instead, much of the land is used for large-scale industry like food processors, and manufacturers of fashion apparel, furniture and electronics, as wells as paper product producers and business logistic companies. Farmer John, BCBG Maxazria, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee and Tapatio Hot Sauce are just a few of the well-known companies that call Vernon home.
Mayor William “Bill” Davis told EGP that the new development is a prime example of Vernon’s ability to attract new industrial development, grow its retail presence and retain businesses.
“We have long argued that Vernon is an ideal location for diverse business interests,” Davis said.
The corner lot borders the city of Los Angeles and is highly visible to commuters. It is estimated that over 44,000 cars drive past the property everyday.