Work underway at Cottonwood Plaza

With subcontractors finally at work in the long-dormant Cottonwood Plaza in Bishop, residents’ hopes for a revitalized center returned this week.

Rudolph Construction had earlier taken the job as general contractor for the reconstruction of the center. Rudolph has now hired local subcontractors to do the work to upgrade infrastructure.  The City of Bishop had required upgrades to electrical, water, sewer, fire sprinklers and alarms.

Ray and Liz Eslamiyeh bought the center a few years ago.  Ray became ill and passed away, and the project was put on hold.  Now, owners include Liz Eslamiyeh, her parents Peter and Susan Denman and Ray’s sister. Peter and Susan Denman are in Bishop now to get acquainted with the area and prospective tenants.  Susan Denman told Sierra Wave Media that reconstruction is underway with focus on upgrades of the infrastructure.  She said that plans include keeping the same buildings with improvements like painting, resurfacing the parking lot, repairs and new signage.  She said that they’re keeping an eye on costs but want to upgrade the appearance of the building.

Denman said improvements in electrical service will lead to significantly reduced power bills for tenants.  She said they also hope to connect with the fiber optic line of the Digital 395 project for service at the center. Denman said she and her husband are interviewing prospective tenants and are “heading more toward June for occupancy.”

Asked about earlier reports of an El Pollo Loco restaurant in the center, Denman said that’s still a possibility.  She said plans include a common grease trap to accommodate any restaurants that move into the center.  How does she feel about this ambitious project?  Denman said, “We’re glad.  Ray’s death,” she said, “set things back, but now we’re putting all the pieces together.  It’s a long process,” she said.  Denman said that she and the family have found the Bishop community to be very supportive.  She said they want feedback from locals about what kinds of businesses they would like to see in the center.  Contacts are Peter and Susan Denman, 760-662-7878 or cell phone 310-999-2205.