A New retail center currently under construction in North Central San Antonio is enjoying a healthy leasing run.
Of the 33,131 square feet of space originally up for grabs in the Shops at Churchill Estates, almost 26,000 sqaure feet is already pre-leased, according to Efraim Abramoff, president of the development/investment firm, Ariel Txeas Star, Inc.
And talks continue with tenants to finish out leasing space in the development, he adds.
“With the combination of tenants we have now, almost everything will work there.” adds Rami Kotel, Abramoff’s nephew and the head of promotions for Ariel Texas Star – the developer and general contractor of the project.
The Shops at Churchill is part of a larger, mixed-used development by Ariel Texas Star – called the Huebner Town Center. In all, the Town Center is expected to span 13 acres at the southeast corner of Huebner Road and Churchill Estates Boulevard.
Operations signed up for the Shops at Churchill include Christian Treasures, Fitness 19 and Quilters Point. The ventures will occupy 2,675; 6,500 and 7,500 square feet, respectively.
Fitness 19 is a new health club making its debut in San Antonio, courtesy of Ariel Texas Star’s development. The company bills itslef as a mid-sized facility geared toward the neighborhoods surrounding its clubs. The chain offers month to month memberships.
A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Speaking of new concepts, locally based Centofanti Corp. is also bringing a new eatery to the Shops at Churchill: Luciano Neighborhood Pizzeria. The restaurant will boast quality food at a good price, syas Luciano Centofanti.
Luciano Neighborhood Pizzeria will feature a rustic theme, including lots of ceramics from Italy, Centofanti adds. The restaurant will also be decked out with displays showing off the firm’s bakery, salads and deli selections.
Centofanti’s food has become a noted staple at several malls, including local retail centers North Star, Rivercenter and Ingram Park – thanks to concepts such as Ristorante Luciano, La Villa Pizza and Cento & Fanti Brick Oven Pizzeria & Bakery.
CLOSE TO HOME
The Shops at Churchill is an ideal starting point for the neighborhood pizzeria concept. Centofanti says.
“There is plenty of housing, and ther is a need for a retaurant for this type.” he says.
The homes and the line-up of tenants at the shopping center also bodes well for a lot of foot traffic, adds Greg Entzenberger, manager and co-owner of Christian Treasures. He is making the move to the Shops at Churchill after 30 years at 3449 Fredericksburg Road on the city’s Newest Side.
“Back when we moved (to the Fredericksburg sit), this was the North Side. But now it’s time to move a little further north.’ says Entzenberger, who expects to have the new store up and running by Oct. 1.
FRUITFUL BUSINESS
Helping Abramoff guage the market are his two partners – nephews Rami and Jeff Kotel.
Later this summer the brotheres – who have been silent partners of sorts in Ariel Texas Star in the past will be moving to San Antonio and taking on a larger role in the business.
“My partners have never been so pleasant to work with,” says Abramoff of his nephews whom he sees as the future of his business.
Both brothers will be in charge of managing and leasing Ariel Texas Satr’s projects, Abramoff adds. In addition, Rami Kotel will be head of promotions for the firm: Jeff Kotel will be handling the financial aspects of the business.
For the past several years, the Kotel brotheres were involved in the Los Angeles rela estate market. The move to San Antonio, they say, is a welcome pne.
“We were drawn to the opportunity and to the people,” says Rami Kotel, who describes the local business atmosphere here as “comfortable.”
It’s very calm,” Jeff Kotel adds.
“San Antonio is more friendly. You can accomplish more in a shorter time,” adds Abramoff. I worked (in the LA real estate industry) for five years, Ethics are hard to find.”
