Economic development update: Shops at Lake Havasu revival, co‑working shortfall and workforce housing challenges

James Gray, presenting the annual update for the Lake Havasu City Partnership for Economic Development, told the City Council on Aug. 27 that several long‑running projects are progressing but face challenges including construction costs, financing gaps and a local shortage of workforce housing.

Gray said the Shops at Lake Havasu has renewed private investment interest. Tom and Megan Sanders, who operate a local Amazon fulfillment business, plan a 40,000‑square‑foot omnichannel expansion off College Street. Gray said demolition and construction drawings have been submitted and the ownership group expected to close on the property in September; he described the project as a roughly $2,500,000 investment.

Gray said a previously proposed restaurant group stalled when a corporate right of first refusal paused negotiations; he described renewed…