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EDC updates retail recruitment; members report interest from restaurant and hotel prospects
Summary
EDC staff reported active outreach by the Retail Coach ahead of the ICSC Las Vegas conference and described several prospective retail and restaurant leads plus early hotel interest tied to ground-lease options; board members said development hinges on a developer/backer to build and deliver projects.
EDC staff told the board the city’s Retail Coach consultant is ramping up outreach to retailers and developers ahead of the ICSC Las Vegas conference in May, and that several retail and restaurant prospects have requested sites in White House.
“They are now preparing for the upcoming ICSC Las Vegas conference in May. That is a premier event for retailers,” Susan, an EDC staff member, said, adding that the consultant reported about 17,000 registrants for the conference and is actively contacting targeted prospects.
Staff reported recent meetings with local property owners who indicated openness to ground leases on parcels along Highway 110 and, in some cases, possible sales. Those owners own several parcels that exceed one acre—one constraint retailers and restaurants had previously flagged. Board members said ground leases could help attract quick-serve and other restaurant concepts that need about one to 1.5 acres for parking.
Board discussion also touched on hotel development. A board member said there is “a willing property owner, a willing hotel operator,” but that the missing piece is a developer or financial backer to build and deliver a hotel. Board members estimated that development capital for a hotel would be “probably a few million” dollars and noted the higher construction and sprinkler costs that can raise project budgets.
Staff said Retail Coach is also engaging hotel contacts and will follow up with introductions to local property owners and developers as prospects emerge. The board asked staff to continue updating members as Retail Coach progresses on outreach and site matches.
No formal vote was taken on the retail recruitment update; staff said it will continue to provide periodic updates as the Retail Coach identifies leads.
