Construction is almost finished for three retailers, expected to open before the end of the year.
"It's actually a joy to see these projects move forward," said Merced Deputy City Manager Frank Quintero.
City leaders said it's breathing new life into this decades-old space.
"Because if you can remember, Sears declared bankruptcy and shut down, that was around 2017. So, we waited eight years for this to happen," said Quintero.
Video shows what the abandoned lot looked like in 2021. It was a hard sight for some to see, with the space holding a lifetime worth of memories.
"From like Christmas shopping, shopping for clothes for school- there's a lot of memories," said Merced resident Eren Tapetillo.
Inside, the Marketplace at Merced is still open for shoppers with construction ongoing.
What may be an eyesore for some is a potentially thriving future for others.
"I know they're building a Boot Barn over there on that side and over here they're building a new Petco and a Burlington. And I applied to some of the stores here to work cause it's close to my school," said Merced College student, Julissa Ortiz.
But the construction on Olive Avenue and R Street isn't the only new development.
Less than three miles away, a new multi-purpose facility tailored to UC Merced students is close to opening its doors.
The Hub Merced will not only provide housing and outdoor amenities for students, but it will also be home to a string of eateries like boba tea and a New York style deli.
It's an exciting win for the growing city.
"There's building and there's revitalization of a lot of the area. I know downtown is getting better, too. I just think the community in itself is really gonna benefit from all the things that are coming here," said Marketplace at Merced manager Max Whitley.
City officials say the Burlington Coat Factory is expected to open on October 10. All the other businesses should follow suit, just in time for the Christmas shopping season.
One last thing to expect, a Raising Cane's is expected to break ground not far from where we're standing in the coming months.
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