Monrovia Economy: 49 New Businesses Since January

The City of Monrovia is seeing economic development efforts pay off with new businesses coming in and development opportunities on the way.

- The longtime vacant blockbuster site near the corner of Foothill Blvd and Myrtle Avenue is undergoing tenant improvements for a new business: Massage Envy. Massage Envy seeks to bring affordable, professional spa services to communities. Currently the site is under construction and is slated to open for business this summer.

- Williams Homes has put in 18 new townhomes at the corner of Olive and Ivy Avenues in Old Town. At this time, almost all units have been sold.

- Izakaya Uppo, a Japanese restaurant that will allow you to sit on the floor and taste traditional Japaense cuisine, opened last week in the 600 block of Myrtle Avenue. This block now features an international dining experience with Chang's Thai Bistro, Rudy's Mexican Restaurant, Jakes BBQ, Izakaya Uppo, and coming soon, Copper Still Grill (serving an updated take on traditional bar and grill classics, will be located at the site of the former Sam's Kabob Room).

- Along Huntington Drive, a Del Taco opened in mid-April on a site that has been vacant for many years- signs that private development and industry are picking up. And the Fast5Xpress Car Wash is expected to open in early May on the same site.

- Panera Bread, Chipotle, Smashburger and Menchie's Yogurt have opened up on the west side of Huntington Drive, bringing more customers to the Huntington Oaks Shopping Center.

- Blaze Pizza is scheduled to open in May 2014 at the Foothill Park Plaza in Old Town Monrovia. Flamzz Pizza on East Colorado Boulevard is already open.

- La Marca Cigars, a specialty cigar shop and lounge, has opened in the 500 block of Myrtle Avenue.

- And American West Bank has opened a new branch at 404 E Huntington Drive.

Since January 1, 49 new businesses have opened up in Monrovia. Building permits are going up, having increased 55% from 2012 to 2013, and Monrovia is seeing a steady stream of applicants at the Building and Planning Counter.

Moving forward, the City's Economic Development team has their eyes set on Station Square Transit Village and the City's former redevelopment properties as opportunity to round out the City's already diverse sales tax base.

Developer Samuelson and Fetter have already submitted renderings of their new 261 unit, multifamily development. And currently the Chevron Station at the corner of Myrtle and Pomona Avenues is for sale in the area, prompting major developers to inquire about other large potential developments.

The City of Monrovia will be hosting a Brokers' Reception on April 30, 2014, 5:30 p.m. at Café Mundial in Old Town Monrovia to discuss further economic development efforts. To find out more about the event, please call (626) 303-6601.

Source: Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

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