New Cathedral City project opening five businesses this fall

A 9-acre plot of land in Cathedral City will soon be home to five new businesses. The first day of construction on the project, named “The Crossings,” wrapped up Friday afternoon, right where Bob Hope Drive meets Varner Road, just off the I-10

“I look for everything in one place, not stopping like twice or more than twice,” said Cathedral City resident Nancy Mendez.

Mendez shares the viewpoint of many travelers, looking for a one-stop shop while on the road. The developers are hoping “The Crossings” can appeal to this preference.

The developer is said to be spending tens of millions of dollars, hoping “The Crossings” can become the perfect hub for people driving in and out of the Coachella Valley.

Fred East, the executive vice president of Primus, the contracting group behind the project, told KESQ / CBS Local 2’s Lauren Coronado that the businesses opening will include McDonald’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, AMPM, and a Best Western hotel.

Those businesses and two other undetermined stores will soon be seen at the property.

“A lot of your viewers may not know that Cathedral City goes that far. It’s part of our newly expanded city limits in the north side of I-10. It’s important for Cathedral City because this development will allow us to have TOT tax which goes directly to the city for city services, parks, roads, and sales tax for retaurants and convenience stores,” said Chris Parman, communications manager for Cathedral City.

East said the project has been in the works for more than five years and is expected to cost an estimated $50 million. Friday was the first official day of construction.

“The first step, of course, is getting rid of the vegetation on the site. We were prewatering sand so we don’t get a dust problem,” East said.

Construction jobs were given to locals and more positions are expected to open up.

“There are 100-plus jobs that are developed anywhere from part time to full time,” Parman said.

“I would say you can expect buildings to be open in the fall, not all of them, but some can be open in the fall,” East said.

The expansion of Cathedral City happened about two years ago. The developer specifically wanted to build in Cathedral City.

A groundbreaking ceremony is expected for March 6.