As we come to the end of 2010, and anticipate 2011, it’s a good time to reflect upon the City of Visalia’s progress over the past year. The national economy is still moribund, and city government has attempted to stretch your tax dollars without raising taxes further. The construction industry locally is still off, but there are glimmers of better times on the horizon. Visalia is still a great place to live, raise families and do business. Our local economy will get better.
The local transit center expansion was completed, and the final touches are being put on construction at the Ben Maddox interchange and on Mooney Boulevard. The transit center expansion includes 31,371 square feet located just south of the existing transit building. It features twelve new bus bays, above each of which new monitors will display "real-time" bus arrivals and departures. The transit center provides a connection point and distribution center for various transit services. The transit center facilitates connections between Visalia transit, Dial-a-Ride, Visalia Town Trolley, Tulare County transit, Tulare City transit, Kings area rural transit, Sequoia Shuttle, Orange Belt Stages, Greyhound and a connection to Amtrak. Down the road, we hope that there will also be a connection to the new high-speed rail station located between Hanford and Visalia.
The following is a list of some new commercial development in 2010. Remember, these are pieces to the puzzle as we re-build Mooney Boulevard and the Visalia business climate in this economy. Eventually, the pieces will all fit together nicely in a complete mosaic.
Vallarta--The grand opening of this new supermarket was held September 22, in the Orchard Walk Shopping Center in north Visalia. This store exudes the fun and flavor of old Mexico with some unique offerings. A few weeks after its grand opening, I dropped by with my son to inspect some of their speciality items. I was amazed at how packed the store was with customers.
Hobby Lobby--This craft store will be opening December 27, 2010 in the old Mervyn’s location at the Sequoia Mall. This company is big time, with 462 stores in 39 states, especially strong in the Southeast and Midwest. Special kudos go to Mayor Link and city staff for encouraging Hobby Lobby to enter the California market here in Visalia first. Find out more at www.hobbylobby.com.
Rabobank--Rabobank is moving into the old Blockbuster Video store on South Mooney, next to the Sequoia Mall. They expect to be open by the end of December 2010. Another plus for the Sequoia Mall and its comeback.
Main Street Promenade--This development by The Mangano Co. broke ground earlier this year and the first phase is expected to be completed by Summer 2011. This is the first new office and retail development on Main Street in many years, and hopefully will lead to more investment in the east downtown area.
VWR International--In August 2010, VWR International LLC announced that it was building a new facility in Visalia’s industrial park. The facility, approximately 500,000 square feet, will be a distribution center. VWR is headquartered in Westchester, PA and is a global laboratory and distribution company with worldwide sales in excess of $3.5 billion dollars in 2009. The Visalia distribution center will act as a supply chain solution for this company in the western United States. The facility is expected to be operational in 2012 and will create many jobs locally.
The Habit--Coming soon to Visalia at the old Merle’s location across from COS. This company started in 1969 in the Santa Barbara area and now has 39 locations in California, Visalia will be its 40th. I personally investigated their only location in the San Joaquin Valley, recently opened at Fig Garden Village in Fresno. I found the burgers, salads, shakes, sandwiches, fries and onion rings to be tasty, and reminiscent of 1950's dining. I particularly recommend their hot pastrami sandwich. Find out more at www.habitburger.com or take your own taste test in Fresno. I believe this to be an excellent solution to how to use and restore the old Merle’s location. I predict that the citizens of Visalia will enjoy frequenting this new business establishment, and that it will help rejuvenate North Mooney Boulevard.
Happy New Year to all!
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
