Nov 25 2009

Reinventing Retail Strip Centers

By Richard Deaver

Urban Dynamics Skyline logoLet’s face it; there is a lot of uncertainty in our economy right now. Unprecedented layoffs, business closures, foreclosures and both personal and business bankruptcies have made everyone fearful of what the future holds.

But this is not news to anyone.

Commercial real estate has not been left unscathed by all the economic carnage – especially retail. On a national level, retailers closed an estimated 6,000 stores in 2008 alone with more than double that amount anticipated by the end of 2009. Locally, we’ve seen a number of storefronts go dark, both large and small. Gottschalk’s closure had the potential to severely exacerbate the situation, but since they had premium locations, there was plenty of demand to minimize the impact of adding to the vacant inventory.

The blow from jobs lost by the closure of Gottschalks was also lessened when Macy’s hired a number of former employees for the River Park store and Forever 21 should be adding soon to that number at the Fashion Fair location, but those who have not found jobs potentially can increase the number of new foreclosures and personal bankruptcies still to come. This will only add to the drop in retail sales forcing more local businesses to close, thereby causing vacancy rates to climb continuing a vicious cycle.

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Nov 17 2009

TYCO Turns Focus to Urban Core

Blue Book Poster

TYCO introduces a new market focus with the unveiling of its Urban Dynamics division.

Headed up by Richard Deaver, Urban Dynamics turns its attention to infill projects and retrofits of existing older buildings in our urban core.  Revitalizing our City Center has been a passion of Richards since the late 70’s.

TYCO is currently developing many of these projects in blighted areas, badly in need of a bigger vision for its future.

I will blog in more detail as projects are funded and/or photos are available for release.  See draft post card above for areas of focus.


Nov 11 2009

Rowell Building Gets Exposure for Revitalization Efforts

Jane Tienken (President) of TYCO General in front Rowell Building

Jane Tienken (President) of TYCO General in front Rowell Building

Jane Tienken (President), of TYCO General will be featured on cover of The Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce Guide for 2010.

TYCO completed the renovation of the historic Rowell Building, shown in the background.

The project included both an interior renovation and an exterior face-lift.

Before the project ended, TYCO had even retrofitted the basement into a much needed parking garage with ground level entry ramp off the East alley.

TYCO continues to pursue more urban oriented projects like the Rowell Building.

Focusing its efforts for 2010 and beyond on redevelopment, restoration and infill projects – TYCO stays committed to its motto:  BUILDING A BETTER CALIFORNIA