The Sunset Plaza Shopping Center at 1201 West Crawford Street in Salina is preparing to undergo substantial interior and exterior renovations.

Dillons corporate office tells KSAL News the project includes an interior remodel of the Dillons grocery store and the long-vacated movie theater on the west side of the property. The exterior facade, which is still original to the property, is being redesigned and fully revitalized.

The initial construction for the remodel at Dillons is currently underway and is expected to be completed in late spring 2019. When complete, the newly remodeled Dillons will feature enhancements throughout the store. A few examples include:
• New produce department with expanded selections garden-fresh produce, including organic varieties
• New deli and bakery departments with new selections of ready-to-eat meals, Artisan breads, and customer-favorite donuts
• Expanded offerings of natural and organic foods throughout the store with a focus on its exclusive Simple Truth line of products
• New floral department with beautiful arrangements by the create talents of Dillons florists
• New check-lanes and familiar conveniences at customer service
• New fresh décor package with vibrant colors, upgraded department markers, and energy-efficient ambient lighting

According to Sheila Lowrie, Dillons spokeswoman, the renovated shopping center and grocery store will provide busy customers with a fresh, new shopping experience. “At Dillons, we are excited to share these extensive renovation plans for both our store and the Sunset Plaza Shopping Center with customers as a welcomed and well-deserved improvement,” said Lowrie. “The enhancements will allow us to focus even more attention on providing what our customers want — freshness, friendly service, variety, and value — all at their neighborhood Dillons.”

Additional exterior upgrades to Sunset Plaza include a new bus stop, parking lot, signage and lighting, all of which will improve the site for the neighboring community.

In 2017, the property was purchased from a real estate investment trust by a group of local investors put together by Anderson-Crain Investment Group (ACIG) with a vision to stabilize the center, by filling up the empty storefronts, upgrading the Dillons space, and redeveloping the exterior.

“The overall goal was to create a positive change to an important intersection in Salina. We felt if we could provide that through a renovation and stabilization plan, whereby solidifying our position with current tenants and attracting new tenants to the property” stated Graham Crain, ACIG Principal.

The Anderson-Crain Investment Group partnered directly with Dillons to create a shopping center that would meet their requirements and create a long-term grocery location for the residents in the surrounding area.

“The entire Dillons team was great to work with, from the on-site management to the real estate professionals. Their focus was on the community and making sure Sunset Plaza remained a viable option for their third location in Salina. We are excited to have them as a long-term partner at our center and as the grocery anchor in Salina,” stated Mr. Crain.

This exciting project received a huge boost from the Broadway Plan Action Committee (BPAC) who saw this as a critical piece to their goal of redeveloping the Broadway Corridor. The City of Salina, along with their consulting teams, RDG Planning & Design and BHC Rhodes, have worked with the public to respond to issues on Broadway Avenue regarding accessibility, medians, public transportation, bicycle lanes, speed concerns and overall visual image. The BPAC is working to respond to these issues and help create a revitalized Broadway Boulevard.

“The overall revitalization of the corridor has created a renewed energy for the area and we are excited to be a part of the BPAC plan,” stated Crain. The project, slated to begin in the spring of 2019, is anticipated to take six to eight months to complete. The shopping center will remain open and accessible to patrons during renovations. Space is currently available for lease.