BUSINESSES CONTRIBUTE TO CERRITOS’ THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY

BY CERRITOS MAYOR MARK E. PULIDO 

Cerritos is fortunate to have a strong, resilient and thriving local economy. This is due to the outstanding businesses in our city that continue to invest in their properties, increase employment opportunities and generate sales tax revenue. Numerous business developments are currently taking place in the City of Cerritos.

Renovation of the existing Bank of America building located in the parking lot of the Los Cerritos Center is under way. The existing building, attached service canopy, ATM drive-through facility and trash enclosure will be given a new contemporary remodel. In addition, existing landscaping will be refurbished and new circular tree planters will be added to the parking area. The project is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2019.

The Cerritos Mazda dealership in the Cerritos Auto Square recently underwent a remodel. The building façade now features ceramic tile, metal panels and new paint. New palm trees, ground cover and shrubs were put in at the driveway entrances. The parking lot also was upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. A ribbon cutting to celebrate the new remodel was held earlier this month.

Interior and exterior tenant improvement plans have been submitted for a proposed Good Fortune Supermarket at the former Zion Market location on Artesia Boulevard. Remodeling and construction is currently under way. In addition to the tenant improvements, parking lot upgrades and landscape refurbishment also will be completed. Interior and exterior modifications are expected to be finished by early Spring 2019. 

Building permits were issued last June for Great Value Storage on Crusader Avenue, which is now under construction. The plan includes the addition of two new stories within the existing building, a remodel of the exterior façade of the building, new signage and refurbishment of existing landscaping throughout the property. New green tinted glass storefront windows, metal trellis structures and decorative light sconces will be featured. The exterior of the building will be repainted in a beige stucco color with a green trim. Construction of the building will be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to be completed in April 2019.

Tenant improvement plans have been submitted for a proposed Jersey Mike’s Subs at the former Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf location on Artesia Boulevard. Interior improvements, new signage and refurbished landscaping are planned. As part of the improvements, the fountain art piece in front of the property will be restored. The project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2019, with a potential opening this month.

Phase III of the renovation project at Lincoln Station Shopping Center is near completion. This included upgrading the exterior façade to a more contemporary design. Existing landscaping, signage and hardscape throughout the property was upgraded. The new design features red brick veneer, dark metal canopies and canvas awnings. Phase IV of the project has begun and includes the remodel of the former Chase Bank building into three separate spaces for food, beverage and retail uses. The project, including remaining landscaping installation, is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2019.   

The former Coco’s Restaurant in the Fountain Plaza Shopping Center is currently being renovated to become Lunasia Dim Sum House. The exterior remodel of the building has been designed to match the existing contemporary architectural theme of the center. The project is anticipated to be completed in July 2019.  

A renovation also is planned for the interior and exterior of the Penske Jaguar/Land Rover dealership in the Cerritos Auto Square. The proposed exterior architecture will match the current Jaguar/Land Rover brand image, and the building will be re-faced with grey and champagne colored metal panels. A concrete car display pad will be added at the southwest corner of the site. Existing planters will be refurbished and new landscaping will be added. Construction is anticipated to be completed during the first quarter of 2019. 

Construction of a new industrial building located at 14141 Arbor Place is near completion, and will accommodate Porcelanosa, a Spanish manufacturer, distributor and retailer of ceramic tiles. The building features a contemporary design, including glass panels with decorative metal accents and canopies, and a color scheme featuring various shades of whites, greys and blues. 

Upgrades and improvements are currently under way at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, including room upgrades to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. As part of the renovations, the current registration counter will be removed and new reception host stands installed. The bar and restaurant will feature a new configuration that extends to the exterior patio, which will house new steel shade structures. The lobby areas, business center, ballrooms/meeting rooms and landscaping also will be updated. Remodeling of the lobby area and event spaces has been completed, and construction has begun on the restaurant space. Project completion is anticipated in Spring 2019.

 Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park will open in the shopping center on the northeast side of Palos Verdes Avenue and South Street. Building improvements are currently under way, including repainting and new signage and landscaping. The project is scheduled to be completed by April.

The French-Asian restaurant/café/bakery Tous Les Jours is expected to open in the Cerritos Plaza Shopping Center this summer. The new building will incorporate a tower element, elongated storefront windows and a combination of stacked stone and plank stone veneers. The bakery will be the company’s first corporate-operated flagship bakery restaurant.

Phase III of the master plan for Valley Christian School continues. Two new buildings on campus were completed late last year, with the focus now on building the new gymnasium, which has been designed to match the newer buildings on site.

Wrapping up all of the current developments in Cerritos, I am also proud to report that the luxury Aria Apartments and the neighboring Sage development are both now 90 percent occupied.

The City of Cerritos looks forward to the completion and success of all of these projects and more, which will boost our economy and bring invaluable benefits to the City and community.