Changes on the horizon for The Trading Post shopping center in Clovis

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Some big changes are on the way to a once popular shopping center in Clovis that has sat mostly empty for the past eight years. "The Trading Post" is located on the southeast corner of Clovis and Herndon.

The windows have been covered up and the parking lot is mostly empty. But soon the once popular shopping center in Clovis will return to its glory days.

Clovis Mayor Nathan Magsig explained, "The city council is really excited that new life is being breathed into this center. We have new shops coming here like Sprouts, Ross, Pieology, and Sketchers are all new businesses that will be coming and occupying the center."

Mayor Magsig says he can't wait to see shoppers and businesses thriving here again. Rich Development and Gryphon Capitol have purchased the property and signs of progress are underway.

A nearby employee, Peryna Washington, said, "Oh I'm loving it. Now when I'm at work. I can just plan to go shopping at Ross. (laughs)"

Small business owners are also happy to hear about the changes.

Judy's Donuts owner Larry Srauy said, "I love it , I love it. It's going to bring more foot traffic and my business is going to get better, I hope so."

Judy's Donuts has been at this location for 21 years. He's survived through the coming and going of stores, including Save Mart. The grocery store left eight years ago and relocated.

"Save Mart saw fit to move to that larger building because it would serve their customers a lot better," said Mayor Magsig. "So the site here at The Trading Post shopping center has been vacant many years and Save Mart has continued to pay the lease here. So the city has worked really hard to find users suitable for this building."

Leaders believe once the project is up, the Herndon and Clovis intersection will be a prime destination for shopping. A change that will bring revitalization and a boost in tax dollars.

City leaders expect construction to begin in the next few months. They hope to open stores in late summer or early fall.