Adult store planned to take over Silver Dollar building in Fresno

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Adult store planned to replace Silver Dollar building in Fresno

Hustler Hollywood store has plans to take over the building, but according to city leaders they haven't been issued permits for construction or submitted plans for improvement.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A long-time Fresno icon may soon adopt a more controversial look and the proposal has a lot of people talking.

A Hustler Store selling *adult material* is expected to replace the old Silver Dollar Hofbrau restaurant at Shaw Avenue and Highway 41.

Thoughts on what might be inside the planned store are already taking a life of its own.

"I don't see the benefit in it," Fresno resident Tonatzin Risco-Twinn said.

The thought of the Silver Dollar becoming an adult-oriented store has everyone in the neighboring plaza talking, some more responsive than others.

"I would hope in the year 2016, people would not be afraid to come to a center within a mile radius of a store that sold a sex toy," said Donnie Adams who works nearby.

The Flynt Management Group who oversees the stores says they sell a variety of products, including lingerie and other adult material.

A company spokesperson says there is a demand for their retail chain in Fresno.

"We have great readership for Hustler magazine in the area," Evan Roosevelt with the company said. "And we heard from customers in Bakersfield and the surrounding area that this location would be great for them."

But city officials haven't expressed approval towards the plan.

A city spokesperson told us the area is zoned "commercial general."

A statement from the city states: "The new development code does not permit an adult-oriented business in the zone district."

But the business tells us they believe otherwise.

"The city of Fresno has defined adult businesses as those that have more than 25 percent of their floor space dedicated to adult products we don't meet that criteria," Roosevelt said.

Hustler Hollywood says only a sixth of the store would contain adult products.

So far, there have been no permits issued for construction or demolition on that property.

But for many families, just the thought is too much.

"And if those types of things are coming in here, then I shoot for leaving Fresno," Risco-Twinn said.