Desert Fashion Plaza Owner Speaks Out

In a rare public appearance, Desert Fashion Plaza owner John Wessman cleared the air on Tuesday.

“I didn’t buy this property to sit on it. I didn’t buy this property to lose money on it,” he told a packed conference room inside the Hyatt Regency Suites. “I bought it to do a really nice project because that’s what I like to do, and that’s what I get satisfaction out of. Period. End of story.”

Wessman came to the Main Street Merchant’s monthly meeting with diagrams and explanations. The reason the plaza remains empty is because the economy tanked, he said.

“You could not get financing. You could not get one retailer to even look at you for the last two years. It was impossible.”

Wessman denied he’s holding the city hostage by not accepting the city’s $18 million dollar bid to buy the plaza. He said it’s not a fair price, but he is willing to sell portions of the plaza to the city.

Wessman said his company currently is talking with prospective businesses, such as a movie theater, a sports bar, a wine bar, and a high-end bowling alley.

Local franchise Las Casuelas told News Channel 3 it’s serious about setting up another restaurant at the new plaza.

If Wessman’s plans go well, the first phase could open by the end of next year. The entire plaza could become fully functioning by the end of 2014.

No one from the city council attended Wessman’s presentation.