Two new retail buildings planned for Wal-Mart shopping center

Construction plans have been submitted for two retail buildings northeast of Wal-Mart on East College Parkway.

Although a bank is expected to fill one of the seven lease spaces, no tenants have been secured.

"We have letters of intent, just not leases in place," said Mark Stokes, managing partner of Table Rock Properties, which owns the 1.8 acres at Market Street and East College Parkway.

The family-owned company is headed by Gary Stokes, a retired civil engineer from Gilroy, Calif., who has developed small, commercial centers in the California cities of Redding, Chico and Fairfield. He has worked as a developer for 45 years.

Mark Stokes, his son, said they are excited about the development of the Home Depot beside the Wal-Mart, near the new freeway, and a Chili's Grill & Bar across Market Street. The North Carson Crossing shopping center already includes a Starbucks, Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop and Round Table Pizza. Development on the shopping center started after the opening of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in October 2005.

The building nearest to East College Parkway, on the south side of the road, will contain a 3,200-square-foot bank and two other businesses, totaling 7,600 square feet. The building nearest to the supercenter will be 8,834 square feet, with four lease spaces that could be subdivided further.

The conceptual plans for the two retail buildings will be reviewed by city planners next week.

Darrin Berger, architect on the project for Hannafin Design Associates, said Tuesday the design was inspired by the Summit Sierra shopping center in south Reno. The conceptual drawing includes cornice moldings.

"It's primarily stucco with a little bit of stone veneer," he said. "We're hoping to develop something that has some color, that creates visual interest."

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