Texas Border Business
Harlingen, Texas – A recent meeting between Harlingen City officials and the new Valle Vista Mall owner opened a line of communication and netted an exciting new concept for the 651,000 sq. ft. facility. Mayor Chris Boswell, City Manager Dan Serna, and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation CEO Raudel Garza recently traveled to New York City to meet with Mike Kohan, owner of the Kohan Retail Investment Group which bought the property earlier this year.
Mayor Boswell says the goal of the trip was twofold– first to welcome them to Harlingen and second to reinforce the importance of drawing more people to the mall. “And that’s what Kohan Retail brings to the table. They specialize in rediscovering retail space by creating their properties from the perspective of the consumer and what will attract them.”
Kohan Retail who owns and operates 26 other malls throughout the country sees the future of aging malls as a place for more than just shopping for clothes.
Mike Kohan says in this day and age with the continuous change in trends throughout the country it pays not to be afraid to find new ways to get things done. “We have attracted such alternative uses as Government offices, health care, auction houses, college, technical schools, and various forms of entertainment including an ice-skating rink.”
The Mayor says while Kohan hasn’t set in stone what new businesses will operate at Valle Vista Mall, they were interested in hearing what the local community would like to see and expressed confidence in the new venture noting the decades of good performance for their interest in obtaining the property. “We are very excited that they’re investing in our community. We look forward to what these new opportunities will bring to our residents.”
Kohan says they plan on attracting new tenants with short- and long-term needs. Prospective business tenants are encouraged to call Kohan Retail or stop by the mall manager’s office for a tour.
The City of Harlingen welcomes Kohan Retail Investment Group as the newest members of the community.
