The Square at Campus Pointe is located at Shaw and Chestnut, across from the Save Mart center. Twelve tenants have signed leases already, they include Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Cold Stone Creamery and Mad Duck is also expanding to offer a brewery on site.
The first shovels of dirt were turned Monday morning on the $250 million project that's been years in the making. The partnership is unique because the land is owned by Fresno State but being developed by private developer Ed Kashian.
"This project is seen as a catalyst for reinvestment that we believe will encourage additional retail growth in the immediate surrounding area of the campus," Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro said.
A movie theatre will be the main attraction of the center, that will offer not only box office hits, but other types of showings as well.
"We're also going to program documentaries, independent films, foreign films, foreign language films, Spanish films, Latino films, whatever this community needs and wants as part of its entertainment," Heritage Theatre CEO Moctesuma Esparza said.
Annette Benevedes is the local owner of Cold Stone Creamery and Wahoo's Fish Tacos. She brought seven of her grandkids to the groundbreaking. She was happy to expand her business and thrilled with the location.
"This project was just a natural fit for our business as well as where we are in our hearts because we are part of the community and we believe in the community," business owner Annette Benevedes said.
Tobias Teran can't wait to open his third local Mediterranean restaurant at the location. He's hoping it will do well with college students and others looking for a healthy, fresh variety.
"It just hit perfectly with the development. We were contacted by the leasing agency and I think Fresno needs a good fast casual Mediterranean concept here," Teran said.
The lease revenue will go toward paying off debt from Save Mart Center bonds. The first phase of the project should be complete next spring.
For a complete list of the businesses set to open click here.
