Creekside Plaza sells for $43.9 million

By Emily Sorensen

Recent developments in Poway’s retail landscape include the sale of Poway’s biggest shopping center, the start of construction at Perry Ford and the opening of a new restaurant.

Creekside Plaza, which encompasses 13409 - 13589 Poway Road, was sold at the end of February for $43.98 million to Retail Opportunity Investments Corporation (ROIC). Creekside Plaza was developed into a shopping center in 1992. Previously, a mobile home park existed in the space.

The shopping center, which is 128,852 square feet and is anchored by the Stater Bros. grocery store, includes 27 units of retail and restaurant spaces, including The Brigantine, Subway, Artistry in Gold jewelry store and the Digiplex Poway movie theater.

ROIC is a real estate investment trust that focuses on the western United States, owning property centers in California, Oregon and Washington. It purchases retail shopping centers, like Creekside Plaza. The company is based in San Diego.

“We saw it as a chance to get a premier shopping center in a great community,” said Steve Erhard of ROIC.

Erhard said that ROIC generally focuses on curb appeal and keeping their centers “looking first class,” rather than doing major changes or renovations. The new owners have already trimmed the trees and had some painting done in the center, said Erhard. Creekside Plaza is the fifth shopping center owned by ROIC in San Diego County.

Perry Ford, at 12740 Poway Road, has pulled its permits and is preparing to break ground on its new remodel within the next 10 days.

“We’re on the verge of starting,” said general manager Mario Lopez. The ground-up remodel is estimated to take about eight months to complete. The dealership will not have to close during the remodel.

The new building will be 17,500 square feet and will be built next to the existing 14,500-square-foot repair center. It will be 30-feet high and have earth tone exterior colors. A key design feature will be a 30-by-100-foot-wide curved glass window wall, as well as a 35-foot, stand-alone clock tower.

The remodel plans were approved by the City Council last August.

“I’m really looking forward to the remodel [being finished],” said Lopez.

A new restaurant, Luna Grill, opened on March 6 at 14727 Pomerado Road in the Target shopping center, the former location of Chicken Pie Diner. The healthy Mediterranean restaurant will be celebrating its grand opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday with free food samples, a face painter and (temporary) tattoo artist, a balloon artist, a DJ and a prize wheel, where you can win cash, Luna Grill gift cards or tickets to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Visitors will also get the chance to take a look at the restaurant’s renovation to the space.

“We gutted the location and started fresh,” said Geoff Alan, marketing director for Luna Grill.

Luna Grill is best known for its fresh Mediterranean food. “We’re famous for our chicken,” said Alan. The restaurant also focuses on offering healthy choices at affordable prices.