Historic Building Being Brought Back to Life

The mother is still alive but due to the COVID-19 pandemic she was forced to let the building go. The mother and daughter decided to search for a buyer with the only stipulation being that the rock structure remain. This got the attention of someone but as paperwork was being completed, the buyer backed out of the deal.

Then in the summer of 2020 of Rodrigo "Rico" Vargas noticed the building was for sale. "I live just around the corner and I was walking to the store to get something to drink," said Rico. "I've always loved that building and I just decided to go in there that day."

Rico went inside and noticed that the building had been completely cleared out. The Hall's told Rico about the deal that fell through and he decided he'd purchase the building.

"They looked at me like I was crazy. Like who is this guy walking in here off the streets trying to buy the building," said Rico. "Now I own the building and am trying to make it better to help the entire community."

In Aug. 2020 Rico purchased the building and has since done many improvement. It started with the new caliche parking lot that was put in. 

"When we first got in the grass and weeds made it a wilderness," said Rico. "There were also vines grown all the way around and up the metal side of the building."

Rico has also put in a brand new roof, a patio area, and updated barriers around the property. The location right now is the spot of flea market that is open daily starting a 9 a.m. Also Rico is partnering with multiple food trucks to allow residents, as well as the employee's from the industrial facilities in the area, a place to eat.

The business is located at 2822 Martin Luther King Blvd.