Construction under way for Willie's Appliance and Furniture

Store part of new 40,000-square-foot center near outlets

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ/VALLEY MORNING STAR

MERCEDES - Construction is under way for a new retail project along eastbound Expressway 83 near Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets.

Assistant City Manager Michelle Leftwich said a 40,000-square-foot retail suite is being built next to the future La Quinta Inn and Suites that is also under construction.
The anchor business will a 20,000-square-foot Willie's Appliance and Furniture store, Leftwich said.

Willie's Appliance has locations in McAllen, Brownsville and Weslaco.
The owner was unavailable for comment Thursday.

The rest of the suite will include six 3,300-square-foot units, three on each side of the appliance store, Leftwich said.

Developer Ramon Vasquez said the property is worth $5 million and should be open for business by September. The other tenants will be announced at a later date, he said.
Vasquez has previously developed businesses along Ed Carey Drive in Harlingen and said the suite should be similar to the Harlingen plazas.

But the decision to build in the Mid Valley city was an easy one, Vasquez said.
"We're building here because of the outlets," Vasquez said. "People are going out there ... and they'll see the business. It's a magnet."

Vasquez said he plans to pursue future developments and is meeting with city officials next week to discuss possible projects on the east side of the hotel.

"It's going to keep growing," Vasquez said. "We are all excited about this project."
City Commissioner Leonard Garcia Jr. said Willie's Appliance had other location options, and the decision to build at the site is a testimony of the retail opportunity the city now offers.

"They chose the city because of the potential it is offering because of the outlets," Garcia said. "They want to be a part of that."

Garcia said the city is working to continue to build long-term relationships with businesses.

"We want people to come in and know we are a friendly city," Garcia said.