Downtown Davis Future Uncertain As Buildings Go Up For Sale

DAVIS (CBS13) — It's a bittersweet holiday ending for a family-owned jewelry store in Davis that's been around for almost a half-century.

The owners of De Luna's Jewelers on Second Street say even though business is great, they are now one of several downtown stores planning to shut their doors for good.

The store has been around for 48 years and has seen a lot of changes.

For Richard and Kyoko Luna, their customers are like family.

"Every time I've come in here they've been really nice but they also have a lot of great stuff here," said customer Marissa Ruszel.

But there's a worry hanging over Downtown Davis.

"I noticed when I was walking on this block the other day there are few stores going out of business," she said.

In the heart of the strip, some businesses along Second Street were advertising going out of business sales.

Richard Luna says a developer is now negotiating to buy several businesses along the block, meaning the jewelers' lease could go up substantially. They're also concerned with how the downtown landscape could change—a change they're not willing to pay for.

"Well that the buildings would be remodeled to the point that the buildings might be torn down and the owners would come in and even attract franchises," he said. "I mean a whole kind of rumors so we don't know what's going to happen."

J.D. Denton, a downtown business owner since 1979, is bracing to weather the possible ownership change.

"We're not going anywhere," he said. "We are looking forward to working with the new owners of the property and we're hoping they're looking forward to working with us."

After 48 years, the Lunas are looking forward to retirement.

"It's sad for the community, it's sad for us, but they're wishing us the best and we've had nothing but great experience," he said.