By Thomas J. Sullivan–
Several months before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered businesses deemed “non-essential” to be shut down in California, a newly opened 5,800-square-foot kids play center in Citrus Heights had already shut its doors for good.
Yippie’s Playcenter, a colorful indoor children’s center with a large two-level play structure, opened last August next to a tattoo parlor in a shopping center at the corner of Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard. But by December, the place had already closed its doors.
So, what happened?
According to Lu Ann Henderson, senior vice president of commercial real estate sales and leasing for GQ North in Sacramento, which represents the property for commercial leasing, the sudden closure of the family-run Yippie’s Playcenter was from no fault to the property owner and “more of a family business dispute.”
A family representative who was contacted by the Sentinel to discuss its closure, declined to comment on record. A post on Yippie’s Facebook page in January described “unexpected health problems and being hospitalized” as primary reasons for the closure.
Henderson said the former play center might just make a comeback later in 2020 if a new business owner can be found.
“I am very hopeful that once the State of California lifts its retail shelter-in-place restrictions, that a new business owner can be found (who) may see the potential of this unique, ready-to-open children’s center,” said Henderson, noting the location has a city-approved, Conditional Use Permit in place already.
Yippie’s was located at 7777 Sunrise Blvd., in suite 1700, next to the Corner Pocket Sports Bar. Its former owners filed for a conditional use permit for their new business with the city’s planning department last August. The play center held its grand opening last Aug. 17, but permitting issues caused the center to briefly close before re-opening later that month.
“The lease includes the option to buy the interior play structure which was purchased as a custom-ordered feature by the previous business owner,” Henderson said.
The 25-by-50-foot, colorful two-level play structure, which Henderson said is valued at approximately $60,000, features a maze of compartments, tunnels, and climbing spaces for children to explore. Additional items are also available for sale with the potential new business.
In addition to the play structure, Yippie’s also featured a bounce house, foam pit and a variety of other kid-friendly activities. Tenant improvements which were done by former business owners included construction of two ADA-compliant restrooms and an open area where children’s events and birthday parties could be held.
The cost of the $15,000 use permit issued by the City of Citrus Heights was paid for by the previous business owners and is transferable to a new lessee, Henderson said.
Henderson, who also serves as a board member of the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, closed the initial leasing transaction for Yippie’s Playcenter last summer and said she helped push for the approval for the conditional use permit.
She’s hopeful to find a new tenant, but said the current situation with COVID-19 has created a tough environment for commercial real estate.
A leasing brochure with additional details about the property can be viewed online.
