SAN DIEGO — Continuing our coverage of abandoned buildings across the county, CBS 8 is Working for You to find out what’s going on with the vacant Fry’s Electronics building near Murphy Canyon Road.
The store closed its doors for good in February 2021 along with at least 30 other locations across the country, and to this day, it’s still sitting there empty with boarded-up windows and doors.
“It’s sitting there on the tax rolls, they’re paying taxes, they got maintenance, they got upkeep, and they’re bringing in no revenue, so something’s going on,” said one golfer at the driving range next door. “How about like a Costco, like a real big operation. It’s got plenty of parking, you know, I’d like to see it go back to retail.”
CBS 8 called the San Diego County Recorder’s Office and found the ownership to be listed as Maverick Property Owner, LLC, which is an out-of-state company formed in Delaware.
Bay West Development is the agency handling the property, so CBS 8 gave them a call. One of the agents told CBS 8 there are plans underway for a massive redevelopment, but he couldn’t share any more than that. Mortgage records indicate a $38 million loan was taken out on the property in August.
Last week, County Supervisor Joel Anderson sent a letter to his colleagues regarding their discussion on an Unsafe Camping Ordinance. In it, he names the old Fry’s property as a potential site to serve the homeless.
“It should include consideration of vacant properties such as the former Fry’s Electronics site in the City of San Diego,” wrote Anderson.
“I think there’s other facilities that would be better located than right there, it doesn’t really have a lot of access to services around here,” said another golfer, Jim Saivar.
CBS 8 called Supervisor Anderson’s office, and staff told us the Fry’s site was only a suggestion and has not yet been explored for feasibility.
CBS 8 confirmed with Bay West Development that the property will not be used for the County’s Safe Camping Program or any other type of homeless shelter.
“Obviously from an economic standpoint, you have to get that thing filled some way or somehow,” said Saivar.
As for what will go in there, Bay West tells CBS 8 they may be able to share more after January 1. We’ll keep you posted.
At CBS 8, we are always Working for You and our community. This is a station promise that we will go the extra mile to solve a problem our audience can’t solve themselves. We want to hear your ideas on how we can cover and help our community. If you have a story idea, please email us at workingforyou@cbs8.com.
WATCH RELATED: What's going on with the vacant Best Buy in Santee?