Kingman council approves notice of intent for Hobby Lobby development at Frontier Plaza

The Kingman City Council on Nov. 18 approved a notice of intent to enter a site-specific economic development agreement related to a proposed Hobby Lobby at Frontier Plaza.

City staff told the council the packet included findings of fact and an independent verification letter as required by ARS 9-500.11; formal consideration of a development agreement will be scheduled for the Dec. 2 council meeting. Vice Mayor Samuley introduced the motion to adopt the notice of intent and the council voted to approve it.

Rod Atemian, managing member of Sunstone Arroyo LLC, said the work currently visible at Frontier Plaza is landlord-led demolition and tenant-preparation; he said Hobby Lobby does not yet have tenant-improvement permits and that much of the on-site work has been demolition to ready the space for a national tenant.

Carol Sorensen, in-house real estate counsel for Hobby Lobby, said the lease is contingent on the development agreement and that incentives can be decisive for deal viability. Brooks McMillan described Hobby Lobby’s market-selection and hiring process, saying the company expects roughly 35–45 positions (about 70% full-time) and two salaried managers if the store hits its volume projections; hiring events typically occur closer to store opening and include both online applications and on-site staffing events.

City staff said tenant-improvement plans remain under review with the development services department and that a separate fire-suppression submittal is required; a dock-remodel permit for interior demolition has been issued to the property owner but not for tenant buildout.

The council motion to adopt the notice of intent carried by voice vote. The council will consider the formal development agreement at its Dec. 2 meeting.