MESA, AZ-The redevelopment of a shuttered Mervyn’s into acommunity marketplace that will house 100 merchants, a specialtyrestaurant and a farmers market is nearing completion. Fivemerchants have signed leases at the project, dubbed POOL. Theyinclude: Aspen Renee Studios; Arizona Salsa Company; GreatEmbroidery; Latino Jewelers; and Thee Boutique.

POOL is modeled after some of the most famous markets in thecountry including Pike Place in Seattle and Oxbow Market in Napa,CA. It is the first of its kind in Arizona, says Brad Weinstock,CEO and co-founder of POOL.

POOL is a community marketplace that brings together specialtypurveyors, small businesses, artisans and privately-owned merchantswho otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to afford rents intraditional retail venues. At POOL, rents start at $650 per month.“POOL in our case is a verb,” Weinstock says. “The name referencesthe pooling together of people, their strengths, diversities andresources. It’s all about collectivism.”