Diane Shopping Center

[eMark]

I was curious what is going on at the Diane Shopping Center on Clairemont Mesa Blvd.  The East Side of the Center specifically.  There are two new vacancies.  First, Baras Thrift Shop closed.  This store had been there many years, and the reason I heard for them closing was that the rent was raised and they couldn't afford the higher rent.

And just a few days ago, the Jack In The Box closed down.  Was that also due to a rent increase?

It is sad, since there are now are several vacancies.  I wonder what they were thinking raising rent?  Do they have more upscale retail clients in mind who can afford the higher rent?  Or are they looking for a tax write off?

[Janet Miller]

I spoke to the management of the center and found out some info. 

Re: Jack in the Box, they had reached the end of a 20yr lease, and decided that since their two other nearby locations (in Clairemont Town Square and on Genesee at Derrick by the DMV) were doing better than this one not to go for another 20 years.  Management is talking to some "name brand" chains about this location.  He had hoped for an In & Out but it appears they are interested in a spot at Balboa and Genesee. 

In regard to Baras leaving, the reduced rent they had enjoyed for some time, courtesy of the management and owner, was to have reverted to market rate rent earlier this year. Baras chose not to stay at market rate rent.

The management is looking for a tenant to take the combined former World Wide Auto store/Baras store (about 14,000 square feet).  The space needs a lot of renovation so it could become almost anything...a fitness center? a restaurant? a 99 Cent store?

The management team is confident the center will be full by the end of the year, with long term, stable businesses that benefit the community.

[eMark]

The management team did not specify which year.  Let's hope it is 2013!

[eMark]

Starbucks is taking the old Jack in the Box building.  They have it gutted now.

[I love Clairemont]

It would be great if we could get a trader joe's somewhere in the area!

On Thursday, July 26, 2012 4:15:35 PM UTC-7, eMark wrote:

[Clairemont General Discussion]

Everyone seems to want a Trader Joe's, but there are 5 of them within 5 miles of Clairemont. I doubt they would open another one so close, but you never know...

[eMark]

Starbucks has their friends and family opening tomorrow from 2pm to 6pm.

Then officially opens on Thurs, July 18th.