Cuyahoga Falls officials on Thursday announced that several tenants have signed to be part of the new Portage Crossing shopping center.
Included are Chef Michael Symon’s B Spot Restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Pet Supplies Plus.
The businesses will join anchor tenant Giant Eagle at the development to be built on the site of the old State Road Shopping Center.
“These six retailers represent approximately 26 percent of the total retail project,” Mayor Don Robart said. “We are hopeful in the coming months to announce additional stores on a timely basis.
“We are very close to finalizing an agreement with yet another major retailer, which will be more than double the size of the Giant Eagle store.”
The Giant Eagle will take up 92,000 square feet of the 28-acre parcel.
“A grocery store is the most important ingredient to a new retail center, as it is a major draw that attracts other retailers to it,” Community Development Director Susan Truby said.
“All of these announced establishments share our vision of what the marketplace will become: bustling streets filled with the most popular national and regional retailers and dining establishments,” said developer Robert Stark, president of Stark Enterprises. “This is only the beginning of many exciting announcements yet to come.”
The news comes at the same time Stark is asking for additional time to close on the property.
After receiving two six-month extensions, Stark will ask Cuyahoga Falls City Council on Monday to extend the deadline for another four months.
Truby said Stark Enterprises’ request for an extension shorter than the traditional six-month increment is a good sign.
“For them to ask for only four months is really incredible,” she said.
Truby also confirmed that Stark is expected to announce several signed tenants at the meeting.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I know things are almost ready to pop for them.”
Stark’s contract with the city to take over the property allowed for the first two extensions to be approved administratively. The last one expired March 11.
At that time, Stark submitted a required written request for additional time, which council now must approve.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/paulaschleis.
