KINGMAN, Ariz. – Kingman’s economic landscape continues to broaden, and city officials say the momentum is unmistakable. Development Services Director Jason Moquin confirms that the community’s recent growth is more than just anecdotal.
“The City of Kingman is certainly growing. We’ve got quite a few projects in the pipeline,” Moquin said. “In the last two years, we’ve expanded our population by about 1,300. With that brings additional commercial growth which also brings additional residential growth.”
Hobby Lobby Fills Long‑Vacant Retail Space
One of the city’s most visible economic wins is the arrival of Hobby Lobby, which has taken over 45,000 square feet of previously vacant retail space on Stockton Hill Road. Economic Development Director Bennett Bratley said the project was years in the making.
“Our team for economic development, along with the City of Kingman, have been working on this project for about two years,” Bratley said. “We’re always out there recruiting and going after retailers that we feel will fit the community. We did put together a survey, and Hobby Lobby was one of those companies at the top of that list.”
The new store also eliminates the nearly two‑hour round trip many Kingman residents previously made to Bullhead City. Store manager Michael said the transformation of the space was dramatic.
“When we took over, there was absolutely nothing in here. The construction team did a great job getting it done,” he said. “And then we found 80 quality new hires in Kingman that came and put in their blood, sweat, and tears to help put this together for the community.”
Mohave Community College Expands Programs and Facilities
Mohave Community College continues to grow alongside the county it serves. A new cosmetology department has opened on Beale Street, responding directly to student demand. Communications Director James Jarman said the program filled a long‑standing gap.
“With the county growing, the college responds to the county needs, to the student needs,” Jarman said. “One of the things that we heard frequently was ‘When are you going to have a cosmetology program?’ So the college built the cosmetology program, and we already have almost a hundred students ready to go and enroll.”
The college is also expanding academically, now offering several new four‑year degree programs in addition to its associate degrees and vocational certificates.
Across the street, the Beale Street Theater has added a sparkling new marquee, marking another step in the downtown corridor’s revitalization.
Hope City Church Completes Major Expansion
To meet growing community needs, Hope City Church has finished the first phase of a $3.5 million expansion. Lead Pastor Steven Lewandowski said the project addresses one of Kingman’s most pressing challenges.
“Childcare is one of the greatest needs in our community,” Lewandowski said. “So we built a kid’s wing that’ll both service that need Monday through Friday, and then Sunday, we’ll use it for church.”
Business Growth Along Stockton Hill Road
At the north end of Stockton Hill Road business corridor, High Desert Hyundai is constructing a new, expanded dealership directly across from its current location. The company is aiming for a mid‑ to late‑September opening.
A Local Favorite Finds a Bigger Home
Longtime Kingman breakfast and lunch staple Grandpa’s Kitchen has relocated from its original, smaller space to a larger building on the 1400 block of Northern Avenue. Owner Katherine Stein said the move was overdue.
“We were getting so crowded up the street. People were waiting for tables outside and we just wanted a bigger space,” Stein said. “And ‘Wow,’ what a turnout we’ve had. Honestly, this counter’s been full. The tables here have been full. All the tables in the primary room in there have been full. Yeah, it’s been really nice!”
A City on the Move
From retail and education to restaurants and faith‑based services, Kingman’s recent surge in development reflects a community steadily expanding its footprint. For a city founded in 1882 and incorporated in 1952, the current pace of growth marks a positive swing out of the Covid years.
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