New blogs for Idaho Falls development junkies (Ammon: top, sunny)

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Idahoing

Famous Daves previous location is becoming a Longhorn Steakhosue

I can see that as a good thing. Folks will flock there and lighten the load for Texas Roadhouse for a short bit.

[Theotherdude]

I dont think Texas Roadhouse will skip a beat. But I so like Longhorn! Also I thought I'd never see the day of the events center. That's even more exciting!

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by Theotherdude

I dont think Texas Roadhouse will skip a beat. But I so like Longhorn!

What is longhorn?

[IFGuy]

The property to the west of Pinewood Estate mobile home park has been sold. If I remember correctly, it was not part of the annexations from last year. I'll keep an eye out for this one. I'm sure this area will be a hotspot for development soon.

[DanQuixote]

There's lots of activity on a small lot just to the east of Stockman's on Pier View Drive. It's too early to see if they're building an actual structure, or just parking spaces (for instance), but there's three dirt movers actively working in there.

Anyone know anything about it?

[Theotherdude]

Originally Posted by DanQuixote

There's lots of activity on a small lot just to the east of Stockman's on Pier View Drive. It's too early to see if they're building an actual structure, or just parking spaces (for instance), but there's three dirt movers actively working in there.

Anyone know anything about it?

They are putting an office building there. It isnt clear at the time who it would be for.

[Theotherdude]

Originally Posted by IFGuy

The property to the west of Pinewood Estate mobile home park has been sold. If I remember correctly, it was not part of the annexations from last year. I'll keep an eye out for this one. I'm sure this area will be a hotspot for development soon.

If I remember correctly, the city designated that area in the comprehensive plan as residential. The reason being, because all the vacant property around it is larger than all the commercial area surrounding the mall. It can still be subdivided, annexed and developed as commercial. I see it similar to the way the city does. The retail market here is warm at best

[IFGuy]

Originally Posted by Theotherdude

If I remember correctly, the city designated that area in the comprehensive plan as residential. The reason being, because all the vacant property around it is larger than all the commercial area surrounding the mall. It can still be subdivided, annexed and developed as commercial. I see it similar to the way the city does. The retail market here is warm at best

I think most places are in a retail growth funk. Store closures, Amazon, high lease rates the fear of a downturn in the economy and land costs all contribute.

I find myself wondering why a growing city like Idaho Falls isn't bringing in these retail stores and I e broken it down into a few possible reasons.

1. The price of land is way overpriced along major thoroughfares. Take the northeast corner of Sunnyside and Woodruff...that property has been on the market for 20 years but the asking price is in the $2 million range. We have not yet reached that level of supply and demand.

2. Lease rates are way too high. I've heard that many retailers have interest but property owners won't budge on price and lease term length.

3. The availability of highly desirable land or call it inventory isn't available. I like Jackson Hole Junction but may be too far away from the majority of population for most retailers and hasn't proven to be a draw. Sand Creek Commons is said to be very particular about the tenants. Those two areas are really the only new areas that have room. Snake River Landing has Sunnyside frontage but is in the same boat as JHJ. The area around Costco may have some potential but may also have the problem of high rents.

Retail is definitely in a tough spot right now.

[chris1834]

Originally Posted by Theotherdude

They are putting an office building there. It isnt clear at the time who it would be for.

Yeah - Snake River Landing Building Y. No signed tenants but can hold up to 10 different tenants if needed.

[Theotherdude]

Apparently the owner of snake river rapid wash is building an Ammon car wash. I saw this on their electronic sign. Im guessing this goes next to the new dealership at First & Hitt. How many new car washes does IF need?