It’s been almost a year since Gateway Village has been under new ownership and managed by CB Richard Ellis. This property is considered the “younger sister” to The River, in Rancho Mirage, California, said Ms. Carol Ann Zale; Asset Manager. When Gateway Village was purchased, the owners wanted to make significant changes, all positive.
Initiatives were very clear and priorities defined for the first year. The management team was empowered to enhance the esthetics of the property, enhance security and build awareness to the general public of the offerings.
Within the first quarter of the fiscal year under new ownership, we began a marketing campaign to position Gateway Village as a neighborhood convenience center for Food, Fitness and FUNdamentals. With several fine restaurants, LA Fitness, Smart & Final and a selection of service and retail shops, the tag line became evident. It was a clear message. One stop; for many reasons.
Safety is always a number one priority for all properties managed by CBRE. Within thirty days from ownership, management altered a drive-by security system and employed on-site security officers who walk the property full time, with the drive-by as additional back up. Lighting on property was also carefully scrutinized and changes were made to further ensure a secure property for the public to enjoy.
Landscape enhancements have been made primarily to the interior of the Village; including a new fence around the beautiful oak tree, to serve as a frame around a sacred natural gift of beauty. Overgrown shrubs and trees were pruned and rose bushes which were left neglected without room to grow and flourish were given tender loving care. Ms. Zale adds, “now that the new identity sign is almost complete, on the corner of Newhall and Rye Canyon Road, additional landscape enhancements will be made to the perimeter which will be a much improved look similar and in cadence with the beauty of the neighborhood”.
Signs and Designs is almost finished with the identity sign for Gateway Village. “It seemed at times, to be a labor intensive undertaking to find the best design company and select the best sign which wouldn’t be too austentacious or one that would not match the integrity of the surrounding area. However, working with the City of Santa Clarita and Newhall Land and Farm professionals made our job so much easier”, Ms. Zale said.
Ms. Zale adds, “For me, personally, I enjoy the frequent visits to Gateway Village. It’s make up is that of tenants who are sincere with their efforts, proud of their business’ and proud to be doing business in Valencia. I don’t see this at many shopping centers. The Gateway tenants genuinely want to please their customers, they are eager to join hands with the community in many events, and they work together in a most congenial manner with each other and with the management team. ”