Despite empty buildings, things looking up for Rexburg
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REXBURG – The combination of companies changing locations in town mixed with vacant commercial properties have some locals wondering if the economic development in Rexburg is shrinking.
“Some people just want to look at the empty buildings and say, ‘Hey, something’s not right,’ but there’s some real misunderstandings about those empty buildings,” said Scott Johnson, director of economic development for the City of Rexburg.
Although people are observing what may seem like negative changes in the Rexburg area, the business community is actually booming, said Johnson.
“The economy is actually doing well and we see that with all the growth that we’re experiencing not just on the retail side and not just with the university, but we’re also seeing some other businesses as well,” Johnson said. “(Businesses are) beginning to take notice and come.”
During the last three months Rexburg has noticably lost two businesses – a Maverik gas station on Second West, and the Arctic Circle fast food restaurant on Second East.
Owners of both these businesses said shutting their doors had nothing to do with city policies or community support.
Aaron Simpson, vice president of marketing for Maverik, said the cost for bringing the old Maverik up to standard was too high, and a new Maverik had been completed six blocks away.
“We feel like a lot of that traffic (from the old store) will just go to the new store,” Simpson said.
On the other hand, the owner of Arctic Circle said it was time to focus on other things, leading to the closure of the restaurant.
Ted Austin, president and CEO of the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce, said experiencing change is common for any business environment.
“We’ll continue to see an evolution of businesses coming and going. I think that evolution is just a natural order of things when it comes to business,” Austin said. “We’re seeing more and more people interested in our area, visiting our area, as well as moving to our area, so I think that’s just fueled Rexburg’s growth and will continue to do so.”
Johnson said the January completion of a larger Walmart has prompted more buyers from Rexburg and surrounding areas. It has even given way to talks of a Panda Express in the area.
“Panda Express has talked to us. Are they coming for sure? We don’t know. With all businesses we wait until something actually happens,” Johnson said.
Johnson said businesses are still looking into becoming a part of the Rexburg community. He said the Arctic Circle location has been purchased, and businesses are interested in the old Walmart building.
“The economy is very good. It’s solid right now. We see some really good things happening. We continue to see a lot of investment in Rexburg which is very good,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he expects to see more growth. He said Brigham Young University-Idaho stimulates a lot of the growth in town, but the city is also growing in other ways
“We continue to work with local businesses and help them grow,” Johnson said. “When we talk about business, I hope people understand it’s not just retail that we’re talking about … manufacturers, technology.”
Johnson said the City of Rexburg is currently working on a set of infrastructure projects worth $22 million. More information on these projects will come to light as plans develop.