PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (July 28, 2016) — Caruso Affiliated today announced that community mainstay Bentons Sports Shop will be returning to Palisades Village as part of the Swarthmore Avenue revitalization. Bentons Sports Shop has executed a “letter of intent” in order to join the project, which is scheduled to open in summer 2018.
Bentons Sports Shop is an independent, family-owned business that has been a staple on Swarthmore in Pacific Palisades for more than 34 years, and serves the local demand for high-quality sporting goods, equipment, apparel and accessories. The classic sporting goods store is owned by Bob Benton, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades. Bentons Sports Shop will join what is envisioned as a diverse mix of street- front retail merchants including contemporary leading fashion, independent retailers, first-to-market concepts, and restaurants reflecting local talent and chef-driven concepts with a variety of cuisines.
“I am excited to be coming back as a part of Caruso Affiliated’s Palisades Village project in the summer of 2018,” said Bob Benton, owner of Bentons Sports Shop. “With Rick’s help and community support, I think a viable sports shop can make a successful return to Pacific Palisades.”
“Bentons Sports Shop defines what Pacific Palisades is all about – community, family and charm. It is one of the longest family-owned businesses in the neighborhood and we are incredibly excited to have Bob on board as our first tenant,” said Rick J. Caruso, CEO and founder of Caruso Affiliated. “We are creating a place that reflects the heart and soul of the Palisades, and Bentons captures the very essence of what we are bringing back to the community.”
Caruso is committed to integrating the local businesses back into Swarthmore Avenue. The company has spoken with the existing tenants on Swarthmore to see if they will be part of the new Swarthmore Avenue once it is open. These conversations are ongoing and we are hoping they will rejoin once the street re-opens in summer 2018. Additional tenants will be announced this summer / fall 2016.
Caruso began safety barricade installation around the perimeter of its site on July 18 to prepare for construction. As of early August, Swarthmore will be closed to vehicular traffic starting 100 feet past the alley to Monument, and due to safety reasons, the sidewalks on the south side of Swarthmore and the west side of Monument will be closed to pedestrian access. Caruso plans to begin demolition of all buildings on the north side of the street late August.
For more information, please visit www.palisadesvillageca.com.