Many of you have been asking about the status of Antelope Square, a small retail development on the corner of Scott and Antelope roads.

This is technically in Murrieta, but right on the border with Menifee.

Here's the updated list of tenants...

First Bank
ARCO AM/PM
Walgreens
Jack in the Box
Submarina
Modern Nails
Figaro's Pizza
Empire Cleaners

Other tenants will include...

national-chain fitness center (approx 10,000 sq ft)
chinese food
mexican food
postal store
dental office

They hope to have this fully opened in another 6-8 months.

I phoned someone at Lee & Associates to verify this.


Click this map to see a larger size

You can read my previous article on this (dated Oct 15, 2007). Note that I had previously named this as "Antelope Plaza". It's going to be named, "Antelope Square".

Labels: Antelope-Square, Commercial-Developments

Winco Foods in the new Perris Crossings shopping center is scheduled to open in another week, on November 5, 2007.

This is according to Cahan Properties, the builder of Perris Crossings.

Perris Crossings is located on the intersection of Ethanac Rd and I-215, near the border with Sun City / Menifee.

Bob Cahan, the president of Cahan Properties, went on to say that the Home Depot there will probably open February 1, 2008.

Overall, the entire shopping center should be built out and filled with retailers by late Spring 2008.

I asked Cahan about other stores that are signed and contracted to be there, and this is what he said...

Restaurants

Carl's Jr
Del Taco
Pollo Campero
Subway
Starbucks
Los Primos
Ono Hawaiian

Other Retailers

Verizon
Day Spa
Gas Station
Dental Facilities
Bank of America

Cahan said the restaurants are all of the "eat-in-take-out" variety.




Click on the above images to see a larger image.

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Perris-Crossings

Towne Center is the name of a proposed commercial development, located on the northeast corner of I-215 and Hwy 74. If you were heading west on Hwy 74, you'd see this on your right-hand side, right where the I-215 on-ramp is.

While the marketing materials claim that Towne Centre is in Perris, it's technically in Romoland, but is within Perris' "sphere of influence". It sits on the border of Menifee Valley, based on the "Option 3" boundary (see proposed Menifee Valley map).

I contacted Walter Pagel of Grubb & Ellis, the company handling the ground leasing. Thus far, they haven't nailed down any leases, so I don't have any brand names to give you. Their initial projection for opening is 2009, but it might be moved further back.

It's going to host a four-story hotel, two fast-foods, a gas station, and one other pad.

Towne Centre sits just outside of the proposed border of Menifee Valley. Menifee Valley is on the other side of Hwy 74 and Trumble Rd.

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Towne Centre

The empty corner lot you see on Bradley Rd & Newport Rd is going to become "Bradley Paseo Shopping Center".

At 79,453 sq ft, it's going to offer nine buildings of retail space, including two restaurant pads.

Mark Bishop, of Rancon Real Estate, who's representing the leasing, says they are still in the process of getting all the permits from the county. They don't have a definite date on when this shopping center will open, but he did give me some ballpark projections of beginning grading around 1st quarter of 2008, and getting occupancy by 1st quarter of 2009.


The types of stores we can expect to see Bradley Paseo are those that will offer something unique to consumers in Menifee Valley, aside from "more of the same" that we see at other centers. Mark says they don't want to duplicate the same offerings going in at Countryside Marketplace, and they don't want to offer stuff like liquor stores or tire shops. I mentioned that Big-O Tire was right across street anyways, and he countered that a Goodyear Tire would love to get right on top of them.

He couldn't offer any brand names that they plan to seek out, but he said it would be a mix of national, regional, and local brands. Mark did go on to mention examples of niches they'd like to bring in, like a credit-union, an electronic store, a travel agency, a beauty supply. The two restaurant pads they have they'd like to fill with some kind of "family dining" instead of fast-food.

One of the buildings will be for medical, while another building will be for financial.

Bradley Paseo will also bring in some road improvements. They will add turn lanes at Newport Ave, and the intersection of Bradley and Park Ave will have turn signals. I didn't ask, but I'm sure they'll add sidewalks from Bradley to Park Ave.

Mark also added that the county is requiring them to utilize an "early settler" theme, similar to Countryside Marketplace.

Right now, Rancon Real Estate has an interest-list going for businesses wanting to move into Bradley Paseo. You can contact Mark Bishop at (951) 677-1800 x129, or e-mail at mbishop@rancon.com.

Labels: Bradley-Paseo-Shopping-Center, Commercial-Developments

There's a new 84,000 sq ft shopping center under development on the corner of Antelope Rd and Scott Rd, across the street from the Albertson's shopping center.

Technically, it's on Murrieta city limits. Construction crews are there right now building the pads.


So far, Lee & Associates have signed up the following retailers...

• Arco AM/PM


• Walgreens


• Jack In The Box


• First Bank

They still have another 21 building spaces yet to fill.

Stores should start opening in Summer of 2008.

Labels: Antelope-Square, Commercial-Developments

Next year, as many as two Fresh & Easy stores may open its doors in Menifee.

The Californian reports today that the specialty food chain, which compares itself to Trader Joes, is coming to Southwest County in full force.

http://www.nctimes.com/..../20_03_189_27_07.txt

This is apparently what Menifee residents want, as they've expressed a lot of demand for Trader Joe's to come to this area. While Fresh & Easy is not Trader Joe's, it's at least something more specialized than Albertsons or Ralphs. And if Fresh & Easy proves successful, it sends a message to Trader Joes.

You can also read the press release from Tesco, the parent company of Fresh & Easy...

http://www.freshandeasy.com/....inlandempire_092507.pdf

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Fresh-and-Easy

I was perusing the website of Brenson Communities to check out the latest media offerings on the townhomes they plan to build on Bogey's Bar & Grill Christensen Ranch.

They have a special page that provides background information on Menifee Valley, including a map of retail stores that are planning to come here. I was intrigued to see Home Depot, Circuit City, and Barnes & Noble, along Scott Road!


You can click on the map to see a larger image.

Here's what the page has to say about the planned retail...

Countryside Marketplace with a Super Target and Lowe's Home Improvement store. Home Depot, Super Wal-Mart, Costco, Albertson's Food Center and Ralph's Grocery Store are also planned.

You can see for yourself here...
http://www.christensenranch.com/....community&community=2#retail

I've been told that Home Depot actually owns a plot of land on the corner of Newport Rd and Murrieta Rd, on the same corner as Walgreens. But I don't know if they're going to build a store there. But if they do indeed own that land, then it's clear that they have their eyes on us.

Hey look! Costco is supposedly being planned too!

Home developers like Brenson and others own land all over Menifee Valley. In order to help sell homes, they partner with big-brand retail stores. That's what this map is all about, convincing people to come here. Whether or not these stores will actually build there is a different story. At least for the moment, it appears they're doing business with Brenson Communities, or another developer.

I haven't contacted Brenson Communities to get more information. I was hoping someone reading this might come forth with more info.

Thanks to Menifee 24/7 readers Aaron and Stacy for sending me the link.

Labels: Brenson-Communities, Commercial-Developments, Maps

Groundbreaking ceremonies for Countryside Marketplace took place today, kicking off construction of the 735,000-square-foot shopping center located on the corner of Newport Rd and Haun Rd.

Speaking at the ceremony was Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Jeff Stone as well as Jeff Chambers, vice president development for Donahue Schriber Realty Group (DSRG), the company that's developing the 68-acre parcel.



Jeff Chambers noted to those in attendance, "Every step of the development process is a collaborative effort. We could not have gotten to this point without the dedication of those who share our vision for what this center will mean to the community."

Countryside Marketplace is expected to provide approximately 6,500 construction and permanent jobs for the Menifee Valley.

Chambers continued on by saying, "One of the recurring themes we heard from residents was their desire to have convenient dining options as a part of the center. We are pleased to announce that Countryside will be home to BJ's Restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's, Red Robin, In-N-Out, Chick-fil-a and Starbucks, among others."

The first tenants at Countryside Marketplace are expected to open in October 2008. Pre-leasing at the center has secured tenants for more than 90 percent of the space, but space from 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet is still available. Interested retailers can contact Wally Limburg or Nelson Wheeler with Strategic Retail Advisors at (949) 640-6678.

For more details about Countryside Marketplace, read our summary of Donahue Scriber's presentation...
http://www.menifee247.com/....presentation.htm

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

A new report from Lee & Associates says that industrial growth in South West Riverside County is expected to climb steadily, though not rapidly.

As covered by the Press Enterprise, the report goes on to note that southern-most cities, Temecula and Murrieta will face the slowest growth due to "lack of infrastructure", while Perris and Menifee will enjoy more growth.

This is largely the same observation that I've been told by people with the previous chambers of commerce and the cityhood incorporation committee. Perris and Menifee sit in the middle of a growing region of business and industry, with Temecula/Murrieta to the south, Riverside/Moreno Valley to the north, Hemet/San Jacinto to the east, and Lake Elsinore/Corona to the west.

Perris and Menifee also sit in the middle of some major thoroughfares running through Riverside County, the I-215, I-15, Hwy 74, and Ramona Expressway. Soon, Railroad Canyon Rd will be realigned with Domenigoni Pkwy and will create a corridor connecting Lake Elsinore and Hemet with Menifee sitting in the middle.

Last month, I wrote an article saying that if the cityhood effort fails in Menifee, that this area will become drawn up and quartered by surrounding cities. But if cityhood succeeds, then we who live here get to decide how Menifee develops.

Labels: Commercial-Developments

Earlier this evening, Jeff Chambers, who is with Donahue Schriber, the developer that's building the Countryside Marketplace, gave a presentation at the Menifee MAC meeting.

I attended the meeting, and wanted to fill you in.

First of all, this was probably one of the most well-attended Menifee MAC meetings I've ever seen. There are about 250 seats in the meeting room, and almost every one was filled. There were other people standing in the back as well. The mayor of Canyon Lake was present as well.

Supervisor Jeff Stone did not speak at the meeting, contrary to what was announced in the Press Enterprise article yesterday. I didn't see him there.

Jeff Chambers, the representative from Donahue Schriber was quickly introduced and gave what I thought was a very captive presentation. He didn't give any "business" speak, he recognized the audience as future customers of Countryside Marketplace, and understood that most people wanted to know what kinds of businesses would be in the new shopping center. He spent most of the time identifying which stores, restaurants and businesses would be there, and went into details on why certain brands were coming, and why other brands were not. He also described his company and its history of building shopping centers.

Donahue Schriber has been in the business of building shopping centers for 40 years now. They own 65 shopping centers throughout California and Arizona. They built the Glendale Galleria and the Hemet Mall. They bought the land for Countryside Marketplace in February of 2005, consisting of 70 acres of land. Actual square footage of Countryside Marketplace is 735,000, and is what the company terms a "power center". It's going to be the second largest shopping center in South West Riverside County, with the Promenade Mall being the largest.

In addition to building the shopping center, Donahue Schriber will build and improve roadways, sewers, and other facilities.

Jeff Chambers said that one of the first things they did towards identifying which businesses to bring into the new shopping center was to interview several residents. Overwhelmingly, everyone wanted more restaurants, and there's plenty of food businesses going in.

They also found that people wanted a bookstore, such as a Barnes & Noble or a Borders. However, it won't be happening. Borders is not adding new stores at this moment, and Barnes & Noble is "iffy" at this time. Jeff said that Barnes & Noble may eventually come to Menifee, but not to Countryside Marketplace.

They also learned that residents here wanted some kind of fabric store, such as a Michaels or Joann's, but they won't be coming to Countryside Marketplace either. However, he felt that Michaels is a big possibility for the old Target building, after Target relocates to the new shopping center.

Target, of course, is the key anchor business for Countryside Marketplace. This won't be a "Super Target", but will be a bigger Target, adding an extra 55,000 square feet of space. There will be more food sold at this new Target, but it won't be the full size grocery section found at a Super Target. Once the Target moves to Countryside Marketplace, the old Target building will very likely be remodeled into three separate stores, one of them possibly being a fabric store, Michaels or Joann's.

They expect the first tenant to open its doors to the public in September of 2008.

Below is a photograph I took of a large chart that Jeff had on display. The center of the chart is washed out from my flash...


Click on the image to see a larger view.

List of Businesses

Here's a list of businesses that Jeff Chambers named as being in the new shopping center. He said these businesses will definitely be there. He also said there's always a possibility that some of these businesses might pull out, but that they are all under contract, and will probably not pull out...

Retailers...

Target
Lowes
Kohls
Best Buy
Linens and Things
Sportmart
Old Navy
Tilly's
Lane Bryant
PETCO
Staples
Beverages and More
Payless Shoes
Jewelry Store (yet to be named)

Food and Drink...

B.J.'s Restaurant & Brewery
Chipotle or Baja Fresh (not decided yet)
Starbucks
Jamba Juice
Panda Express (or other fast food Chinese)
Japanese Restaurant (yet to be named)
Corner Bakery or Panadera Bread (not decided yet)
Red Robin
Chick Fila
TGI Fridays
In-N-Out Burger
Round Table Pizza

Other Businesses...

Wells Fargo Bank
Wachovia Bank
Washington Mutual Bank

Jeff Chambers also said they're looking for a few local area businesses to move into Countryside Marketplace. These would be restaurants or retailers that are unique to Riverside County, and offer something with local flair.

Donahue Schriber also has several other buildings that still need tenants.

Questions and Answers

The presentation then shifted in a question and answer session. I've presented them below. Note that these questions and answers were read off very quickly, and I could not write them down word-for-word. These are simply my interpretations and summarizations...

Q: Will there be room for a movie theater?
A: There are no plans for a movie theater at Countryside Marketplace.

Q: What about Whole Foods Market, Nordstom Rack, and a Hallmark Store?
A: Hallmark Store is a possibility. Nordstrom Rack is not likely. Whole Foods Market is not interested in Menifee, their clientele is largely in urban and upscale communities.

Q: Will the new Target have a bigger grocery section?
A: Yes, but it won't be a Super Target, just a bigger Target with more food offerings.

Q: What about Long John Silvers?
A: Probably not. Countryside Marketplace has plans for a Japanese restaurant, that will be their fish restaurant.

Q: What accomodations have been made for more police?
A: They're going to take a "wait and see" approach first. Donahue Schriber does provide private security, and they will work with the Sheriff if the situation calls for increased police presence.

Q: When will the aquatic center be open?
A: It probably won't start construction until another year, and will likely open in late 2008 or early 2009.

Q: What's the status on the shopping center at McCall and Encanto streets?
A: There was an Albertson's and a fitness center proposed to go there, but those have fallen through, and nothing is happening right now. Nothing will happen unless an anchor store like Albertson's or something else is committed.

Q: Who are the contractors that will be doing the construction, how many contractors have been hired?
A: Donahue Schriber usually has about 12 different general contractors working at the same time. They've not done any bidding as of yet. Lyle Parks is one contractor that will likely be there. Some of the businesses do their own construction, such as Target, Kohls, and the banks, and they hire their own contractors. In all, there will probably be between 30-45 different contractors working there.

Q: Will Donahue Schriber create underground utilities?
A: No. The above-ground transmission lines currently lining Newport Road will still be there. They will, however, move those poles to different areas, but there will still be poles lining the road.

Q: What will happen to the North-East corner of Newport Road and Antelope Road?
A: There will be a gas station there, a motel, and about 150,000 square feet of retail space, including a fitness center.

Q: What about a Red Lobster and a Wal-Mart?
A: There are plans for a Wal-Mart on Scott Road by the 215 Freeway, at the north-west corner, but there are no plans to bring in a Red Lobster.

Q: What about bringing a drug store?
A: The new Target will have a pharmacy section.

Q: Will the realignment of Newport Road have any effect on Countryside Marketplace?
A: The realignment at both ends of Newport Road, on the Hemet side, and the Canyon Lake side, will definitely bring in more traffic. There are plans to widen the intersection of Newport Road and Haun Road to 7 lanes. There are plans to widen the Newport Road bridge over the 215 Freeway, and turn it into a partial cloverleaf, but those plans won't happen until 2011.

Q: Will the aquatic center be open to the public?
A: Yes, there will be several pools, including a competition pool, and plans to provide senior services such as aerobics.

Q: Are there plans for more parks and bicycle paths in the area of development?
A: There are plans for another school and more parks. As far as bicycle paths, yes. There are plans for an improved flood control system, and there will be a bicycle path running next to it.

Q: Will there be an overpass between Newport Road and Scott Road, connecting Antelope road to the new shopping center?
A: Riverside county has a plan for that, but it's very long term. Not in the near future.

Q: How will Countryside Marketplace emulate the neighborhood?
A: Donahue Schriber designed Countryside Marketplace to have an "agrarian architectural" theme. The buildings have a rural look and feel to compliment Menifee's agricultural character.

Q: What stores are going in at Ethanac and the 215?
A: There will be a Winco Food and a Home Depot.

Q: Will the stores at Countryside Marketplace have shade structures or canopies?
A: Yes, there's actually a county ordinance requiring a certain amount of shade structures.

Q: What about Henry's, Fresh & Easy, Costco, Fish House Vera Cruz, Farmer Boys, Black Angus, Steer & Stein, Siggy's?
A: At this point, the building spaces still available are not big enough for some of these stores and restaurants. All that's left is for smaller businesses. That's not to say these brand names are not coming to Menifee, they just won't be coming to Countryside Marketplace.

Copies of Plans

Jeff Chambers brought copies of plans and layouts of Countryside Marketplace, but didn't bring enough copies for everyone. He can provide copies to you, if you contact him.

Call him at (714) 966-6496, OR e-mail him at jchambers@dsrg.com

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

Today, the Press Enterprise published more details of what Countryside Marketplace is going to look like...

The dirt field along Newport Road west of Interstate 215 is being transformed into a site for up to 1,500 homes, an aquatic center, a possible city hall and the first Lowe's, Starbucks and T.G.I. Friday's in Menifee.

You can read the full article here...
http://www.pe.com/..../PE_News_Local_S_smenifee21.4041bd5.html

Still supposed to open by October 2008, but won't totally be finished until March 2009.

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

By now, everyone who lives in Menifee has probably seen those earth movers sitting in the lot off of Newport and Haun roads, along with the water tank from Pardee Homes.

Yes, the Countryside Marketplace is still going in there, that's not changing.

Yes, Donahue Schriber, the developer who's building the Countryside Marketplace, is still the developer, and they are still building it, despite the fact that they no longer show Countryside Marketplace on their website.

According to Supervisor Jeff Stone's branch office in Menifee, Donahue Schriber is working with Pardee Homes to build out that entire area. That area is not going to be commercial-only, but a mixture of commericial and residential. That's why Pardee Homes is there. The development of residential homes usually takes longer to do, that's probably why Pardee Homes has their equipment there now.

While it hasn't been officially announced yet, Donahue Schriber will be doing a presentation for the public at a Menifee MAC meeting on June 20, 2007, at 7:00pm, at the Sun City Civic Association. When I get more information on that meeting, I'll post it on this site.

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

The Californian reported last Friday that the Countryside Marketplace, planned for the corner of Newport Rd and Haun Rd, is delayed yet again by a lawsuit...

The three suits allege violations of the California Environmental Quality Act. In the latest, an entity called Menifee Citizens for Smart Growth alleges that county officials failed to give adequate notice of public hearings Dec. 19 and Jan. 23. The suit, filed Feb. 26, also alleges unspecified "findings not supported by substantial evidence."

Read the full article here...
http://www.nctimes.com/..../12_07_563_29_07.txt

The article goes on to provide evidence that this group called, "Menifee Citizens for Smart Growth" doesn't actually involve real Menifee residents.

Countryside Marketplace is supposed to include a new Super Target. The article goes on to show that the same attorney representing this group has filed lawsuits in other cities where Super Targets and Super Wal*Marts have been planned.

It sounds like this group has no interest in Menifee, and is only concerned about their own ideology. We who live in the Menifee Valley have our own issues with inadequate public services due to our community not being an incorporated city. We need this Countryside Marketplace to become reality so that we'll have the necessary tax base to provide services to ourselves.

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

An article published today in the San Diego Daily Transcript describes Menifee as offering "peaceful living, quality schools and the comforts of small-town living combined with the convenience of growing commercial services".

It goes on to describe some new commercial developments in the works...

Currently, Menifee-Sun City area is courting several major developers, including Rancon, a leader in the real estate industry. Recent commercial developments completed or under construction include: The Salt Creek Plaza, a new Albertson's center, the Automotive Plaza Center, La Masters Jewelry and the Menifee Valley Athletic Club.

"The Menifee Valley Athletic Club is a stunning, state-of-the-art facility that looks like it could be located on Rodeo Drive. It's absolutely beautiful," said Ferrulli. The first of its kind, the athletic club is the brainchild of local resident John Walker.

"Another local venture is a Morton's type steakhouse, which will hopefully break ground in the next 60 days," said Ferrulli. "It will be owned and operated by the owner of Boston Billy's, known to everyone as Abe."

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Menifee-Valley-Athletic-Club

Nelson Wheeler of Strategic Retail Advisors has been kind enough to provide us with some information on the new proposed "Countryside Marketplace" to be located on the SWC of I-215 and Newport Road.

According to Mr. Wheeler construction for the project is to begin early 2007, and the shopping center will open early 2008. Merchants such as Lowes, Target, and Kohls have all approved the site. I'm not sure why Target was on his list, being that they already have a store across the freeway. Perhaps they are planning on moving.

For those of you who are interested in leasing space, the lease rates I was told will be $3.00 to $3.50 psf per month.

See brochure below for further details.

Brochure.pdf

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Countryside-Marketplace

I'm always curious to see what's happening around town with regards to redevelopment and improvements. The civil engineering firm that I work for (headquartered in Escondido) is currently undergoing an expansion to the Inland Empire. On Sept. 6th we are opening our second office off of Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta. One thing that I've noticed on my numerous trips to the new location is how exceptional Murrieta is in posting signs that let the community know just what improvement is happening and when it's expected to be finished. This is a great opportunity for passers-by to see how their tax dollars are being used.

Is there a place where we can find out what development and improvement projects are currently under way in Menifee/Sun City?

Labels: Commercial-Developments, Housing-Developments, Redevelopment

Yes, Steve, we are getting some more restaurants in Menifee and many more commercial developments as well.

Of course, everyone knows that there will be Abe's Steakhouse which will be built on the Southeast corner of Newport and Bradley. This will be a place that we can have high-power business lunches, delicious dinners and fine wines. This should be breaking ground by late September. Right next to Abe's Steakhouse will be a 2-story office building (which we are in desperate need of!).

There is also a shopping center proposed, north of Abe's Steakhouse, between Newport and Park St. There will be retail shopping, etc. and it will be very nice. I am projecting that this will groundbreak around Dec., Jan-06.

Everyone has been reading about the commercial area on Newport along with 215 cooridor.
Yep, it's going to happen. Supervisor Jeff Stone is watching this very closely because he would like to make sure that it will be a place that will bring the residents together.

There is also a new commercial development proposed on the corner of McCall and Encanto. Look for another restaurant and other retail establishments similar to the Menifee Lakes Shopping Center on Newport.

The future is definately now! If you would like more information, come visit me at the Menifee-Sun City Chamber of Commerce (between Coco's and McDonalds) or call 951-723-8511.

Labels: Abes-Steakhouse, Commercial-Developments