The struggling Broadmoor Outlet Mall in Pasco is looking beyond retail stores as it tries to build up occupancy. The mall will gain a new nonretail tenant, Charter College, begins classes January 26th. The college, which has locations in California and Alaska, offers courses in several disciplines including health care and information technology. Adding to the mall’s nonretail tenants is part of a new approach by mall operators.
“We are expanding beyond outlet mall retail focus and developing a community focus,” said Chris Siemens, commercial retailing specialist. Also, World Life Christian Center will move into a 12,000 square foot space in the mall within the next few months, Siemens says. And National Maintenance Contractors started operating out of the mall recently, he said.
The mall, which has about 100,000 square feet available for leasing, is close to 60 percent occupancy, but other businesses, including a radio station, have shown interest in leasing space.
The Inland Northwest is somewhat insulated from the larger impact of the poor national economy, Seimens said. The Tri-Cities has a lot of growth potential, he said, adding that’s why Charter College wanted an option to lease more space in its lease agreement for potential lease expansion.
There’s a growing population in the Tri-City area and a need for the career-based education that Charter College provides, said Josh Swayne, campus president in Pasco. Being located in a mall will help the college connect with businesses and provide better placement services for students, he said, because the mall has great visibility and access.