by Michele Newbern Gillis
Staff Writer
Two spaces that once housed Jonathon’s and Planet Smoothie in Independent Square remain vacant, but those leasing the space say interest is high.
Jonathon’s, which replaced McAlisters, has been vacant since August. Planet Smoothie still holds the lease on its old space and has been trying to sublease. It has been vacant for almost a year.
Caffé Athena had planned to move into Jonathon’s space, but was unable to reach a lease agreement.
Henry Pratt III, COO of Capital Partners, the management company for Independent Square, said they are showing the space on a daily basis.
“We are not in a rush,” said Pratt. “We are being selective because we want the right tenant for the building. We want someone in there that is stable and has a good following.”
He said there is interest in the space, but no solid proposals yet. The space is 4,600 square feet and seats 140 people.
Pratt wants to find a tenant that offers a variety of foods, including sandwiches, salads and hot meals.
“We want someone who is able to cater to our 2,000-plus tenants,” said Pratt, adding the lease rate would vary, depending on the new tenants operating expenses and the need for renovations.
Next door, Planet Smoothie, which has about 500 square feet, has been looking for a suitable tenant to sublease the space. The lease on that space runs another two years.
Ronald McVay, a leasing agent for Colliers Dickinson who is handling the negotiations, said the space would be ideal for a small retail company or a sandwich shop.