Downey Business Development
by Lorine Parks
When you think of Downey, think new businesses. From the old Sam’s Club location to the new Promenade where Rockwell was, retail endeavors abound.
Downey used to be known as a place of diversity in car shopping, and the Downey Council has been trying to regain that reputation. Comparison shipping and car dealerships spell tax revenue, and so for starters, Champion Dodge & Fiat is going in on Firestone near the 605 Freeway, Penske Toyota will also be on the Firestone corridor, and Downey Nissan will relocate near the corner of Firestone and Old River School Road.
More action is coming, thanks to the city-sponsored Firestone Improvement Project, said Aldo Schindler, Director of Community Development for Downey. His good-news list went on: La Barca the Restaurant across from Ralph’s is progressing; Valvoline will be on the northwest corner of Firestone and Rives; and a Giant RV will be at the old Sam’s Club acreage on Florence at the Santa Ana Freeway.
In the new Promenade, the Cinemark Theater and 24 Hour Fitness along with several restaurants like the Lazy Dog Cafe, have already opened with many more to come.
Two corners at the intersection of Lakewood and Gallatin are being developed. The property that used to be Downey Ford is now called the Commons, on the southeast corner will be restaurants. The area on the southwest corner is the Downey Crossroads, and will be Planet Fitness along with other shops.
There’s a Vallarta Market and a new Starbucks in the old Beach’s Market property on Imperial near Paramount, and another Starbucks is due to open in late summer at Imperial and Bellflower.
The development of the former Avenue Theatre on downtown Downey Avenue is out for proposals, and art groups are interested.
Rancho’s north campus is under development, being considered for shops providing ancillary services to the Hospital’s rehabilitation programs. Gil Livas, Downey City Manager and our long-time member whom we don’t see often enough, filled in the presentation with the latest developments and bits of recent history.