Las Vegas, After more than a decade of limited activity and shuttered storefronts, a key retail hub in eastern Las Vegas is poised for a significant transformation that promises to benefit local shoppers, spur economic activity, and strengthen community access to everyday goods.
Mariana’s Supermarkets, a well‑known Hispanic‑focused grocery chain in Southern Nevada, has signed a lease to occupy a 40,000‑square‑foot anchor space at the Renaissance III shopping center, officials confirmed on February 5, 2026. Once fully operational, the center will be rebranded as Mariana’s Marketplace, marking a symbolic and practical revitalization of a property that has struggled to attract stable tenants in recent years.
From Decline to Renewal
The Renaissance III center, situated on a prominent retail corridor, had suffered from years of economic stagnation after its former anchor tenant, Food 4 Less, closed its doors. Multiple attempts to re‑imagine the space failed, leaving sections of the plaza largely unused and contributing to a sense of decline in an otherwise busy commercial area.
In 2024, Aspen Real Estate acquired the property out of foreclosure and embarked on a long‑term plan to reposition the asset for broader community use. The acquisition set the stage for today’s announcement, with company leadership describing the addition of Mariana’s as a “pivotal moment” in the center’s turnaround.
According to Aspen principal Philip Proetto, the upcoming renovation, backed by a newly permitted $2.2 million interior upgrade, reflects both strategic investment and a commitment to reversing the center’s dilapidated reputation. The name change to Mariana’s Marketplace is part of that branding effort, signaling a fresh start for the long‑underutilized space.
A Community‑Centered Retail Model
Mariana’s Supermarkets has cultivated a strong following in the Las Vegas Valley with a retail model emphasizing both competitive pricing and cultural relevance. In addition to traditional grocery offerings, the chain is known for its juice bars featuring natural fruit juices, aguas frescas, and Mexican‑inspired snacks, amenities that have helped the brand attract loyal customers across diverse communities.
The company currently operates six locations throughout the valley, including a recently opened store in neighboring Henderson. Its expansion into the Renaissance III site represents both geographic growth and a response to long‑standing demand for full‑service grocery options in the area.
Local leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that access to fresh food and household necessities remains a key quality‑of‑life issue for many residents. Grocery deserts, areas where affordable, healthy food options are limited, have been a concern in parts of Las Vegas and Clark County, particularly in neighborhoods underserved by major retail chains. While it’s too early to quantify precise impacts, the addition of a full‑service supermarket in this location is expected to help address some of those access gaps. Experts say that beyond retail convenience, such developments often serve as anchors for further investment and community engagement.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The redevelopment is also expected to have measurable economic impacts. Supermarkets are among the larger retail employers in most communities, and Mariana’s presence is likely to create a range of new jobs, from store management and clerical staff to warehouse, distribution, and service positions. While exact hiring figures have not yet been released, sources at Aspen Real Estate indicate that recruitment will begin in the months leading up to the planned second quarter 2026 opening.
Furthermore, the revitalization of Renaissance III could serve as a catalyst for neighboring retailers and service providers, encouraging other businesses to consider the center as a viable location. In commercial real estate, anchor tenants like supermarkets often help stabilize occupancy rates and enhance property values, benefits that ripple through the broader economic ecosystem.
Broader Retail Trends in Las Vegas
The Mariana’s Marketplace announcement comes at a time when Nevada’s retail sector is adapting to changing consumer behaviors and demographic shifts. Las Vegas and its surrounding communities have experienced steady population growth in recent years, driven by both in‑migration and strong labor markets in sectors such as hospitality, logistics, and healthcare. Such trends have heightened demand for diverse retail offerings beyond entertainment and tourism‑oriented businesses.
The new marketplace also aligns with an expanding focus on community‑oriented development, where retail spaces are reimagined to better serve the daily needs of residents, not just visitors. This shift reflects ongoing conversations among planners, business leaders, and civic stakeholders about how to balance economic development with neighborhood livability.
Looking Ahead
As construction and interior build‑out work progresses, local residents and businesses will be watching closely. The success of Mariana’s Marketplace could set a precedent for similar revitalization efforts across the Las Vegas Valley, particularly in corridors that have struggled to maintain sustained retail activity.
With the official opening planned for the coming months of 2026, community members have an opportunity to see firsthand how strategic investment and targeted retail development can breathe new life into long‑underused commercial spaces, making everyday life better for local families and strengthening the economic fabric of southern Nevada.