Council approves lease with South Valley Community Church to open coffee shop in old City Hall; repairs and ADA work planned

The Lemoore City Council voted 5-0 on May 6 to approve a commercial lease with South Valley Community Church to occupy the old City Hall building and open a downtown coffee shop.

City Manager Trejo explained the city had sought a locally operated coffee shop and that South Valley Community Church expressed interest. "The idea was good, but there wasn't really an ideal location until we considered the old City Hall Building," Trejo said, summarizing how the city and the church negotiated lease terms and planned improvements.

Under the agreement, the city will undertake several exterior and structural items before occupancy, including roof repairs, replacement of damaged subfloor and accessibility (ADA) improvements at the rear of the building; staff said some of that work can be performed in-house and that the alleyway behind the building had been repaved to improve access. The city aims to complete its items by about July, after which the tenant will proceed with interior flooring, painting and kitchen buildout for coffee service.

Aaron Pearson, an executive-board member of South Valley, told the council the church is "just very excited, to be in this community," and thanked council for the opportunity. Councilmembers asked logistical questions, and one resident noted that Rebecca's (an existing coffee business) operates nearby.

The lease envisions a public-facing coffee shop on the lower level and private office space upstairs for the tenant's staff. Councilmember Brewster moved to approve the commercial lease agreement (consent item 4-7); the motion passed unanimously.

City staff said they will coordinate the repair work, tenant improvements and final inspections, and return to council if any material changes to the lease or scope arise.