Old Town La Quinta developer identifies tenants that would do well

The Desert Sun • March 4, 2009

The developer of Old Town La Quinta said today that he has identified nearly a dozen tenants that would do well along Main Street despite the economic downturn. Advertisement.

"We're really working to complete La Quinta's Main Street," Wells Marvin said. "We've fulfilled most of our vision for Old Town, but we still have some blank spots on our canvas."

The developer said he used a market study and customer input to create a list of 11 businesses that would do well along Main Street, where the vacancy rate is about 15 percent.

On the list is a frozen yogurt shop; a bakery; shoe repair shop; bicycle shop; men's clothing store; designer clothing consignment shop; card shop; boutique pet accessories store; bath and body shop; women's shoe store; and a delicatessen.

Marvin said the businesses identified in the market study and by customers are "well suited to a tough economy."

He said he is looking to work with local entrepreneurs who are willing to put out a product that fits the needs of the community.

"There are people out there who may have been laid off or just moved here to the valley," Marvin said.

There has been a growing demand for a bicycle shop in Old Town, according to Marvin, and he said many customers have asked about a discount designer shop.

"A weak economy can actually be a great time to start a business because you can get locations you wouldn't get otherwise," Marvin said, adding that his company will offer marketing support and put on events to attract customers to Old Town.

Marvin said Old Town has seen some growth in recent months despite the downturn. A restaurant, Viva Southwest Cantina, is scheduled to open soon, he said.

He said the business district -- along Calle Tampico near Eisenhower Drive -- has been doing relatively well because more people from nearby Los Angeles and Orange counties are driving to La Quinta and locals are staying closer to home.

"People that are on vacation still like to shop and still have to eat everyday," Marvin said. "If they are on vacation, they are looking for stuff to do, but they are not splurging as much."

He said some Old Town businesses are looking to expand. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill, for example, will be adding a private dinning room and expanding its to-go area and kitchen.

"They cannot handle the volume," Marvin said.