Developers revamping Fresno-area shopping centers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Signs of growth across the Valley, as several shopping centers in Fresno and Clovis are undergoing renovations.

Millions of dollars are being spent right now to give facelifts to shopping centers across the area. Those spots will soon be money-makers for businesses and the city, while giving people places to shop and eat.

Building tools outside giving a glimpse at what's to come for many shopping centers in the Fresno metro area.

"We haven't passed any laws to make people do these kinds of things," said Fresno City Councilman Clint Olivier. "It's happening because the market is taking off."

A Los Angeles-based company recently purchased four underperforming shopping centers in the area, including Manchester North at Dakota and Blackstone.

"Because of what's happened over the last five years with the economy, it has given us opportunities to buy properties right, operate them right and make our tenants thrive, which is the most important part," said Steve Selcer with Highpoint Capitol Group.

Over the phone Selcer told Action News our Central California market is ready for new business opportunities. Included in the company's purchase is the Gallery Plaza at Shaw and Fresno. Highpoint is revamping the look of the centers, including new paint and landscaping.

The same work will soon begin at Highpoint's latest purchase The Burlington Plaza on Blackstone south of Bullard. The list of names for the new businesses set to open is not public yet, but Highpoint promises a variety of new and familiar names.

"They range from grocery opportunities, to big box retail opportunities, to sit down restaurant opportunities and shop space opportunities," Selcer said.

Others are also investing in the area. The lot at Blackstone and Clinton was just purchased, Olivier said. The plan is to demolish what many say is an eyesore.

"They're occupying old buildings and they're redoing them," said Olivier. "And they're also building from scratch. It's very encouraging."

New business is emerging in long struggling communities.

Highpoint also purchased the Rodeo Plaza at Shaw and Minnewawa in Clovis. All of these areas targeted for this renovation are in high-trafficked areas that should bring good business, and tax revenue, when doors open soon.