RETAIL – 5625 E. RIVER ROAD, TUCSON
PETCO has finalized a 13,000 square-foot lease at 5655 E. River Rd., Tucson, located on the northeast corner of River Road and Craycroft Road in the River Center. We reported a tentative lease agreement was in the works on May 25 when Division II Construction sent out request for bids from subs. For previous story, May 25th click here.

PETCO is a national distributor of pet supplies that was established in 1965. Their story began when Walter Evans opened a mail-order veterinary supplies business called UPCO (United Pharmaceutical Company). His stated mission was to offer quality pet and veterinary supplies directly to the public at discount prices. UPCO’s early customers were ranchers, kennels, catteries and grooming shops. By 1979, UPOC became PETCO, a move designed to better connect the brand with the changing needs of the pet supply business and consumers. In 1980, Evans opened the first official PETCO store just outside of California in Tigard, Oregon. Today they have more than 1,200 stores across the U.S.

The new Tucson store is scheduled to open for business in December of 2013.

Andy Seleznov and Melissa Lal with Larsen Baker of Tucson represented the Landlord, Larsen Baker, while Mark Holinger of Frontera Development of Scottsdale represented the Tenant.

OFFICE – 2340 N TUCSON BLVD, SUITE 100, TUCSON
Desert Bloom Acupuncture leased a 707 square foot space at the Grant and Tucson Center, located on the southeast corner of Grant Rd. & Tucson Blvd. Desert Bloom Acupuncture is a healing arts center that offers Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques such as Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Moxabustion, Cupping and Gua Sha; also available at Desert Bloom are Acuonics & Sound Healing, Reiki, Facial Rejuvenation, Dietary and Lifestyle advice, Deeksha and Biotouch.

Andy Seleznov and Melissa Lal with Larsen Baker of Tucson represented the Landlord, Larsen Baker.

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[ismember] Asking rate at 5625 E River Rd was $13.50/ SF/ NNN.
Asking rate at 2340 N Tucson Blvd was $900 per month / modified gross for similar size space.[/ismember]

On September 11th, the El Con Walmart at 3425 East Broadway in Tucson opened with great ceremony. Tucson Police and Fire Department, the Chamber of Commerce, Councilwoman Shirley Scott, Walmart employees, neighbors and representatives from every branch of the military were in attendance.

The ceremony began with a moving 9-11 remembrance that involved the military representatives and local first responders, followed by ribbon cutting and donation checks being handed-out to a myriad of local charities. Walmart donated unpretentiously and did not want to mention the charities that they helped at this event.

Walmart’s website explains their community participation as follows: “We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Whether it’s through the grants we provide to the thousands of organizations that share our mission or through the inspiring volunteer efforts of Walmart associates, we are passionate about helping people live better. One community at a time.”

In 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes $1 billion in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and $82.2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 2.2 million hours, generating $18 million to U.S. nonprofits.

Participants at the event commented on how very nice and professional it all was and were impressed by the large number of people who came out so early in the morning. It was a brief moment of reprieve from any controversy and a brief look towards the future with a Walmart in the neighborhood. It was a happy day!

The neighborhood association and Walmart had come to agreement over several issues, and as a result of the agreement, the City Council voted unanimously the night before to instruct City Attorney Mike Rankin to offer no objections during Walmart’s rehearing before the Arizona State Liquor Board on Thursday. This after the City Council voted in March to oppose the liquor license, hearing from angry residents that resulted in Walmart’s liquor license being denied.

Well, it wasn’t enough to change the State Board’s ruling. On Thursday Walmart was denied a second time, this time for a wine and beer license only.

Walmart’s director of communications Delia Garcia in an email told us, “We are disappointed in the State Liquor Board’s decision to disregard the efforts of the neighborhood associations, the City of Tucson, and Walmart in negotiating a mutually acceptable agreement that respects the priorities and objectives of each party. Their decision essentially nullifies months of good faith discussion, forcing us back to square one. As we evaluate our options, Walmart’s focus remains steadily on our Mid-town customers and offering them the convenience and affordability they have come to expect from Walmart.”

City Councilman Steve Kozachik, who helped broker the deal between Walmart and neighbors, is quoted in the Arizona Daily Star as saying, “By making this ruling, they denied the will of the people of Tucson.”

Walmart still has options. It can immediately appeal the board’s ruling in court or wait one year and reapply. Perhaps the 30 angry people who came out to stop the permit last March could make it to one more meeting? This time in support of the Neighborhood / Walmart agreement.

NEW OPENING – 9484 E 22nd STREET, TUCSON

Chipotle’s Mexican Grill opened store number nine in Tucson, Friday September 13.

Alan Tanner with Bourn Advisory Services of Tucson represented the Landlord, BP SWC 22nd and Harrison, LLC and Ben Craney of West Commercial Real Estate Advisors in Tucson represented Chipotle. For full story reported on Aug 8th click here.

NEW OPENING – 3837 E. BROADWAY BLVD, TUCSON

Smashburger opened its second location in Tucson Wednesday, September 11. Store hours are 10:00 to 10:00 daily. Richard Shenkarow of Shenkarow Realty Advisors in Tucson and Greg Furrier of Cushman & Wakefield Picor handled the lease transaction for landlord San Clemente, LLC and tenant. Click here for previous story.

NEW OPENING – 316 E. CONGRESS STREET, TUCSON

The Good Oak Bar opened its first wine bar in Tucson Friday, September 13, next to Diablo Burgers at The Rialto, owned by Scott Stitler. It features Arizona beers and wines as well as a limited menu from Diablo’s Burger’s kitchen. The name, “Good Oak” is said to be what “Arizona” means in the Basque language, according to the owner Derrick Widmark. For Previous report click here.

Please submit news of business openings, sales and leases to [email protected]