Developer Halts 'Indio Grand Marketplace' Plans

INDIO, CA — Plans to redevelop the 215,000-square-foot Indio Fashion Mall property near the southeast corner of Highway 111 and Monroe Street were shelved by the property's owner, it was announced Tuesday.

The city was notified by Los Angeles-based Haagen Company that it no longer wants to pursue redeveloping the indoor mall that is situated on 17 acres. Instead, the city will work with Haagen to help generate interest from other developers to build an "innovative project on the former mall property and on the city-owned property located behind the mall," according to a news release from the city.

Tuesday's update ends a multi-year effort between Haagen and the city to construct what was called the "Indio Grand Marketplace." Project plans were approved by the city in 2021 following Haagen's purchase of the property in 2018.

The proposed project included redeveloping and expanding the location into a retail, entertainment and dining destination attractive to both local residents and tourists. The mall was slated for a complete redesign inside and out with new entries and public spaces. Forty retail spaces, a food hall with 10-12 restaurants, and an additional retail pad on Highway 111 were planned.

In a released statement, Indio Economic Development Director Carl Morgan signaled why the project lost momentum.

"Malls across the country are struggling as consumers move to other retail formats and more experiential shopping opportunities," he said, adding that while Haagen has decided not to move forward on the project, there is reason for optimism.

"We believe there is great potential for these parcels that will benefit our residents and taxpayers and we look forward to working with the Haagen Company in pursuing creative ideas for the site,” Morgan continued.

According to Tuesday's news release, "Indio has numerous plans and programs in place that help make this site attractive for development, including the recently-adopted Highway 111 Specific Plan and a Development Impact Fee Deferral Program to encourage quality commercial and residential growth. Efforts to market the property will capitalize on the incredible wave of economic gains we have made recently, as seen in the resurgence of new and exciting businesses Downtown, and the explosive growth of north Indio."