The Henderson City Council has unanimously approved a significant redevelopment project that will transform an aging office complex into a vibrant retail and dining destination named The Cliff.
The decision came during a council meeting on Tuesday, wherein plans for the open-air project were set in motion, aiming to introduce boutique shops, restaurants, live entertainment, and a central bar to a 10-acre site located along St. Rose Parkway, just south of the 215 Beltway.
Construction of The Cliff is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of this year, with an anticipated grand opening in the fall of 2026, as detailed in a recent news release.
Despite its promising prospects, the $50 million redevelopment faced obstacles, particularly concerning proposed signage that some local residents found objectionable. In response to concerns raised during previous discussions, developers have since reduced the size of the signage and its LED components, following the Henderson Planning Commission’s hesitance to vote on key signage elements last month.
Councilman Dan Stewart, who represents the ward encompassing the project site, acknowledged the challenges they faced throughout the year-long discussion, remarking that he had seldom encountered as many hurdles for a single project.
“We all love this project, and it’s been the sign that has been the thorn in our side,” Stewart explained during the meeting.
Although there were initial reservations, Stewart noted that the development team showed a willingness to compromise, leading to a proposal that council members were now comfortable with.
“We’re looking forward to something special here,” he added, reflecting the collective optimism of the council.
The existing office complex, situated on Paseo Verde Parkway, has been largely unoccupied since it was built over two decades ago, consisting of two single-story buildings encompassing a total of around 100,000 square feet.
Real estate investor Bobby Khorshidi, founder of Partners Capital, acquired the site earlier this year for over $17 million. The project represents a joint endeavor between Partners Capital and Cast Capital Partners, a real estate firm operating out of San Diego and Las Vegas.
Support for the redevelopment has come from the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, which described the existing office complex as largely vacant and in need of modernization.
During the council meeting, attorney Elias George, representing the developers, emphasized the critical role of visibility for business operators. He argued that The Cliff’s signage would provide tenants with a valuable opportunity to thrive, especially in an area predominantly occupied by large retailers.
George also indicated that the tenant mix would primarily consist of either local concepts or emerging businesses new to the valley.
Peter Guzman, president and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm for the project, indicating that it could revitalize the property and serve as a hallmark development for the city of Henderson.
“The Cliff can be a signature development for the city of Henderson, one of many, but only if you allow it to be seen,” Guzman stated, echoing the sentiments of many supporters.
However, not everyone is on board with the project; several residents from the nearby neighborhood voiced their concerns via email to the city earlier this year. The opposition centered around the proposed “illuminated billboard-style sign,” which they believed was disproportionate to the area’s character.
Critics worried that approval of such signage could create a troubling precedent for future developments, potentially leading to more intrusive commercial signage in the vicinity.
Moreover, residents expressed apprehension regarding the potential impacts on traffic and noise, particularly connected to the proposed outdoor bar.
Kimberly Swartzlander, a local resident, conveyed the community’s mixed feelings. While recognizing the positive implications of bringing businesses to the area, she articulated their desire to avoid a conspicuous “neon-flashing” sign visible from their homes.
Complications around signage were apparent at the May 15 Planning Commission meeting, where various project plans for The Cliff received approval, excluding the controversial proposals related to signage.
The Planning Commission reviewed increased signage dimensions that would allow for two sizable electronic messaging boards alongside a larger wall sign. Despite the developers’ attempts to address size and height concerns by minimizing the electronic wall signs, city staff noted that these signage specifications remained inconsistent with the development’s surroundings.
George later confirmed that the signage dimensions passed by the council were the same ones previously declined by the Planning Commission.
However, he highlighted that the developers had replaced portions of electronic signage with static alternatives, entailing a more than 40 percent reduction in LED signage compared to previous proposals.
At the council meeting, Mayor Michelle Romero acknowledged the developers’ efforts to work collaboratively despite the difficulties encountered.
“I know we have not made this easy on you, and you have been very amenable to working with us,” she noted, reinforcing the council’s support for the overall project while recognizing the contentious signage discussions.
Romero concluded, stating that while everyone was enthusiastic about the redevelopment, their variances of opinion primarily revolved around the project’s signage.
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