Same plan for Bodine's, different visionary

The 3.1-acre lot on South Carson Street has remained vacant since the demolition of Bodine's restaurant and the old trailer homes this past summer.

A new investor said this week that he plans on developing the land to its full potential, and that probably means a casino.

The empty lot at the gateway to South Carson City is a reminder of what used to be: a restaurant where locals went to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or just to hang out since it opened 20 years ago.

Coby Rowe, manager at Western Nevada Supply, which is across the highway from the Bodine's property, has wondered about the fate of the parcel at the corner of South Carson Street and Old Clear Creek Road.

"We're for growth in Carson City as long as it fits in to the master plan," he said. "They demolished and got it ready, but nothing has happened. I'm curious to see what's going to happen."

Former Bodine's patrons have left flowers and signs on the chain-link fence surrounding the property. Gone but not forgotten, many wonder why the property has not been developed as planned by the owner, Southern California developer Kevin Coleman.

Coleman, owner of Net Development and K&S Properties, planned to build a $30 million Western-themed casino. The property has a nonrestrictive gaming license, which means it does not have to meet a Carson City requirement for gaming properties to have a 100-room hotel.

Coleman could not be reached for comment after repeated attempts. An investor buying the property from Coleman said the sale should close in early January, about one year after Coleman bought it for $4 million from restaurant operators Joe Masini, Shel Lindsey and James Alderson.

"I have a purchase and sale agreement with Kevin Coleman, and right now I'm going to look into the prospects of putting a casino on it," said Mike Pegram, who has investments in Washington state and Phoenix.

He declined to give the purchase price.

"It's an interesting piece of property with an upside potential," he said. "We look at it, and this is what we do - develop it for the best use."

Pegram said a friend made him aware of Coleman's plans. Pegram inquired to Coleman if the property was on the market.

Pegram has no partners yet in the venture - but he's looking for them. This is his first entrance into Nevada gaming.

"Hopefully I'll bring in partners who have some expertise in that," he said.

He said it's too early to discuss the possible casino development and its costs.

"By early in the year we'll have a better idea," Pegram said.

Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira said he has faith that Pegram will follow through with the casino plan.

"It's going to happen," he said. "It's a win win (for Carson City and the developer.)"

It could take from nine months to two years for Pegram to get his gaming license. When applying to operate a Nevada casino, every limited liability company member or executive will have full background and financial investigations conducted by Nevada Gaming Control.

Pegram is also picking up Coleman's agreement with the Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission to donate $1 million toward improvements to the fairgrounds and Fuji Park, which are west of the Bodine's property. The parks commission approved a deal with Pegram this week.

Roger Moellendorf, parks director, said the donation will finance a paved parking lot and lighting for the arena.

"The donation will allow the city to complete the new master plan for the Carson City Fairgrounds and Fuji Park," he said. "The fairgrounds will be more efficient and attractive for users."

Pegram will be able to use the parking lot as overflow parking during certain times for his casino patrons under a 40-year contract.



• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.