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Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Tip List: Economy to blame for vacant Albertsons building

The intersection of Olive Avenue and G Street is a busy place. Save Mart and Walgreens sit opposite each other, their electric signs leading shoppers into their open doors. Nearby fast-food restaurants and an assortment of businesses take up most of the storefronts at the three strip malls fronting the crossroads.

But not all the storefronts in this busy part of town are occupied.

One location in particular stands out amid the bustle, a shell of its former self. And it has been empty for some time.

Right next to Walgreens the former Albertsons sits unused and fenced-off. The sad, barren store faces an empty parking lot, which is equally empty of anything but a few cars and a random truck. They don't sell anything there anymore, that's for sure.

Tipster Dave Hetland e-mailed the Tip List complaining about the empty store. He wanted to know what was going on with this eyesore.

"When Save Mart bought out Albertsons several years ago, I recall hearing stories of potential tenants for the empty store, but I don't see anything happening," wrote Hetland. "Now there's a chain link fence in front of the entrance -- and an increasing number of large commercial trucks parked in the parking lot. A definite eyesore in our community."

Sir, Tip List is on the case.

It turns out the 51,000-square-foot property is still leased by Save Mart and, no surprise, for rent. In 2006 Save Mart bought more than 100 Albertsons stores across California and Nevada, the G Street store included. Ever since it has been empty.

According to Doug Cords, with the firm marketing the space, Save Mart has held the lease for several years. While a few prospective tenants have looked at the property, none has been the right fit, said Cords.

Frank Quintero, Merced's development manager, said the city has also been promoting the site. He doesn't envision another supermarket opening up across the street from Save Mart, since Save Mart leases the property. Instead, he thinks Save Mart may rent the space to a few smaller stores. But he said the economy is playing a large role in the building still standing empty. "Many retailers are waiting for a stronger sign of recovery," he said.

Save Mart couldn't be reached for comment.

What is wrong? The former Albertsons building on G Street and Olive Avenue is as desolate as the Sahara Desert more than three years after Save Mart acquired the property.

Who is at fault: The economy, Zeus and Save Mart.

Tip off the tip list!

If you see something broken or in need of repair in your neighborhood, call the Sun-Star Tip List reporter, Jonah Owen Lamb, with your tips at (209) 385-2484 or e-mail jlamb@mercedsun-star.com.