Home Blog Page 38

Chula Vista Center Has New Owners: What This Means for Our Community

Chula Vista Blog
-
0
Chula Vista Center Has New Owners: What This Means for Our Community

Big news, Chula Vista! The Chula Vista Center, which many of us grew up visiting, has officially been sold, and the new owners have ambitious plans to revamp the space with updated landscaping, mixed-use developments, and fresh retail and entertainment options. Primestor Development, known for its successful redevelopment projects, is aiming to create a vibrant community hub that blends shopping, dining, and residential opportunities. Primestor Development, a Culver City-based firm, has purchased the Chula Vista Center for $86.1 million. With a strong track record of redevelopment projects, Primestor sees this as more than just an investment—they see an opportunity to revitalize a key part of our community.

A Top Shopping Destination with Room for Growth

The Chula Vista Center spans 490,000 square feet of open-air retail space and is currently 89% occupied, with a mix of major retail chains, local specialty stores, dining options, and entertainment venues. Anchor stores such as JCPenney and Macy’s remain, along with a variety of smaller businesses that cater to the community’s needs. It also ranks among the top 3% of shopping centers in the country for foot traffic, according to Placer.ai. Despite its success, we’ve all noticed the changes over the years—businesses leaving, fewer stores opening, and a general need for renewal. The good news? Primestor has a vision to bring more energy and opportunity back to the mall.

Why Primestor Chose Chula Vista

For Primestor CEO and co-founder Arturo Sneider, this purchase is more than just business—it’s personal. “I had family in Chula Vista when I was a child,” he shared. “My grandparents moved there, and I watched the community grow over the years.” With this deep connection, Sneider and his team are excited to integrate the mall into the city’s future growth.

Chula Vista itself has been expanding rapidly, especially with the waterfront transformation that will soon welcome the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center. Located just a mile from the Bayfront, the Chula Vista Center is in a prime spot to benefit from the city’s evolution.

Chula Vista Center has new owners
Even before the Chula Vista Center sale, the mall was getting some upgrades. I love the new look of the seating area in front of Macy’s.

Plans for Revitalization

While specific redevelopment details are still being finalized, Primestor has already identified key opportunities for improvement. One major focus will be reimagining the vast parking areas, potentially introducing new residential and mixed-use spaces. Past ownership had already sold portions of the site for development, including roughly 200 townhomes and a new SHARP Healthcare headquarters. Primestor aims to seamlessly blend these projects with retail and entertainment options to create a dynamic “live, work, play” environment.

Landscaping and hardscape improvements are also in the works to better connect the mall with the surrounding neighborhoods. Primestor’s goal is to make Chula Vista Center a shopping destination and a true community hub by incorporating public gathering spaces, hosting community events, attracting diverse dining and entertainment options, and integrating mixed-use developments that encourage a vibrant, walkable environment.

Community Input Matters

One thing is clear—Primestor values community input. Sneider acknowledged Chula Vista residents’ strong attachment to the center and wants to ensure their voices are heard in shaping its future. Over the next year, Primestor will conduct outreach to gather feedback, refine its redevelopment plans, and introduce more community events to attract visitors and create a lively atmosphere at the mall. Last year, several of the events the center hosted were not promoted well, resulting in many of the events lacking foot traffic for vendors and on-site merchants. Personally, I would love to see the return of the Christmas Vendor Market the center hosted in 2023. Sadly, this event didn’t happen last year.

Chula Vista Center Art Through the Glass exhibit
The Chula Vista Center added a new art exhibit called “Art Through the Glass.” A few empty storefronts have artwork from local artists. 

What Would You Like to See?

This is our chance to help shape the future of the Chula Vista Center! What stores, restaurants, or entertainment options would you love to see make a comeback? Join the conversation on Facebook and share your thoughts. The revitalization of this beloved space is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the transformation unfold. Be sure to share your thoughts on our Facebook page. We will also be doing videos on the center’s updates very soon.

New SHARP Medical Center Coming Along

Kurt Bunch
-
0
New SHARP Medical Center Coming Along

A significant transformation is unfolding at the corner of H Street and Fifth Avenue, where the new SHARP Medical Center is quickly taking shape. Just last year, the site was home to the long-standing Sears building, but construction has been moving at an impressive pace after its demolition. If everything stays on track, the state-of-the-art medical facility could be welcoming patients by the end of the year.

This development is part of a larger project that reshapes the Chula Vista Center. The mall’s owners sold off the east portion of the property, paving the way for two significant additions: the Citrus Bay Condominiums, a new residential complex, and the SHARP Medical Center, which will provide expanded healthcare services to the community.

Chula Vista Center Sears Building
We still miss the old Sears location at the Chula Vista Center. This was shot just before they tore the building down in 2023.

Construction crews have been working steadily, with new progress visible every month. Once completed, the facility will also feature a three-story parking garage to accommodate both staff and patients. While there is talk of the existing SHARP Medical Center on Third Avenue relocating to this new site, official confirmation is still pending.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this major development in the heart of Chula Vista!

Chula Vista Dutch Bros Coffee is opening tomorrow at 5 AM

Amanda Contreras
-
0
Chula Vista Dutch Bros Coffee is opening tomorrow at 5 AM

Get ready, Chula Vista! The long wait is over. Chula Vista Dutch Bros is officially opening its doors (or, more accurately, its drive-thru) in Chula Vista tomorrow at 5 a.m., and if history tells us anything, expect some long lines. Since first announcing this location back in October 2024, I’ve heard from plenty of you eagerly awaiting this moment. And while I meant to visit another Dutch Bros location to see what all the hype was about, I never got around to it—so now I have no excuse!

Chula Vista Dutch Bros Opening Friday, March 14th

This marks Dutch Bros’ sixth location in San Diego County, but it’s the first to reach South Bay. The new drive-thru spot, nestled between Oxford and Palomar Streets, adds to the company’s already massive footprint, bringing it to over 1,000 locations nationwide.

For those hoping Dutch Bros expands even more in the area, there’s a small (and I mean small) rumor about a future Eastlake location. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but I’ll keep my ear to the ground.

What’s on the Menu?

If you’re new to Dutch Bros, here’s what you can expect: a lineup of specialty coffee drinks, nitrogen-infused cold brews, teas, lemonades, sodas, and their signature Dutch Bros Rebel energy drinks. Fan-favorite coffees include the Golden Eagle, the Caramelizer, the Annihilator, and the Cocomo. Whether you’re a coffee purist or someone who likes their drinks a little on the wild side, there’s something for everyone. You can visit their website to see more about the menu.

Location & Hours

Now, they say this is in Downtown Chula Vista, but let’s be real—I’d argue downtown is more between H Street and E Street. If they were setting up near J Street, maybe we’d be talking. But for accuracy’s sake, here’s where you’ll find them:

📍 1259 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911

⏰ Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.

They did build this one pretty fast. Here is a video of the lot when they first broke ground back in 2024. They were supposed to open in February but had to push it due to a water issue.

Are You Checking It Out?

Are you jumping in line on opening day, or are you waiting for the hype to settle? I might give it a little time before making my first visit. If you do go, let us know in the comments how it went!

A Little Dutch Bros History

For those unfamiliar with Dutch Bros, here’s a quick rundown. The brand started in 1992 in Grants Pass, Oregon, thanks to two brothers, Dane and Travis Boersma, who went from running a single coffee cart to building a national sensation. Dutch Bros is all about speed, service, and community vibes. Beyond the drinks, they’re known for their charitable work, supporting causes like ALS research and youth programs through campaigns like Drink One for Dane and Buck for Kids.

Dutch Bros isn’t just about coffee—it’s about community. And now, Chula Vista gets to be part of it. So, will you be in line at 5 a.m., or are you holding off for now? Either way, Dutch Bros has arrived, and it’s here to stay.

Gaylord Pacific Resort Job Fair Overwhelmed by Massive Turnout, Ends Early Again

Chula Vista Blog
-
0
Gaylord Pacific Resort Job Fair Overwhelmed by Massive Turnout, Ends Early Again

The Gaylord Pacific Resort job fair was cut short for the second day due to overwhelming attendance. One of the biggest reasons the event turned chaotic was how it was advertised. The resort promoted it as a job fair, but little information was shared about the need to apply online and get a confirmation beforehand. Many job seekers assumed they could simply show up and apply on-site, leading to long lines, frustrated attendees, and an early shutdown.

High Demand for Gaylord Pacific Resort Jobs

The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center aims to fill 800 positions, attracting thousands of job seekers eager for opportunities in hospitality. Partnering with the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the resort held a job fair that quickly surpassed expectations, with some applicants lining up as early as 4:00 AM to secure a chance.

By 10:00 AM, the crowd had swelled to over 1,000 people, overwhelming organizers. Despite efforts to manage the flow, security was forced to shut down the event by 2:00 PM, far earlier than the advertised closing time.

“I feel like I was lied to. It said the event was going to happen till 6 PM, and when I got here, they turned us away,” said Carlos, one of many unable to enter.

“I got off work early, but I guess not early enough,” he added. Still determined, Carlos plans to attend next weekend’s Gaylord Pacific Resort Job Fair for another shot at securing a position.

Job Seekers Frustrated by Lack of Clear Instructions

Many attendees were caught off guard by the lack of information about the application process. Some had left work early or traveled long distances, only to be turned away. Others who had applied online said they were still unable to get inside due to the massive crowds.

Despite the challenges, job seekers remain hopeful. College student Jessica Ramos expressed excitement about the opportunity to start a hospitality career at the Gaylord Pacific Resort. Many attendees echoed similar enthusiasm, viewing the resort as a promising place for professional growth.

@laurislafresa Gaylord Resort job Fair Disaster 😩😩#gaylordresortandconventioncenter #chulavista #southbay #cityofchulavista #trending #fyp ♬ original sound – laurislafresa

Next Job Fair Dates and How to Prepare

For those who couldn’t attend this weekend’s job fair, the next event is scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. So far, it hasn’t been canceled, and we will be sure to let you know if it does. To improve their chances, applicants should:

  • Apply online first to streamline the hiring process.
  • Register for a job fair date before attending.
  • Do not attend if you have not received a confirmation text and date.

To apply online, visit this link. Be sure to select Chula Vista for the location so you do not apply for other locations. Many have said the online application process was very confusing. It would have been better to have a dedicated website just for this new location.

The overwhelming response to the Gaylord Pacific Resort job fair highlights the strong interest in hospitality careers and the excitement surrounding the resort’s grand opening. Those interested should act fast to secure their opportunity.

If you attended the Gaylord Pacific Resort Job Fair, please let us know how it could have been managed better on our Facebook page.

1...373839...94Page 38 of 94