VIDOR — Local businessman Joe Aref has a new project in the works that could ultimately bring more business and tax dollars to Vidor.

The Joe Aref Investment Development Group recently purchased the former Brookshire Brothers site on North Main Street. The 40,000-square-foot building had been vacant since late August. Aref plans to modernize the building and is in talks with national retailers in the hopes of bringing them to the building. 

Aref said there has been interest but cannot disclose details until it is official.  “This property is similar to La Vaquita in Port Arthur, which I purchased in 2019, so I am familiar with this type of development,” Aref said.