Longs center fully leased, agent says

The Longs Drug shopping center has proven to be a popular commercial location, two more businesses are set to move into the development and the lease on the last spot will soon be signed.

A scrapbooking store and a Farmers Insurance office plan to open after the buildings are completed in August.

Donna Jean Anderson, owner of County Purr Farm Scrapbooking, said Wednesday that she will teach scrapbooking workshops in her 1,485-square-foot store at 3220 Highway 50 East.

Anderson plans to open the first week of September.

"There wasn't a scrapbooking store in Carson City, so I thought I would open one up here," said the first-time business owner.

The 48-year-old Virginia City woman said she has invested from $30,000 to $50,000 in her business.

She chose this location because of its proximity to Dayton and the Carson City Freeway.

Anderson, who once organized stamp parties at her home, said her goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere for customers. County Purr Farm will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and some evenings for scrapbooking events.

Lauren Chamberlain, owner of the L.A. Chamberlain Agency, is moving her office from the Bank of America Building on William Street to suite 5 at the Longs shopping center.

"I looked at several locations and the Hones (the owners) have a fantastic reputation," she said. "It's located next to a great company, Longs, and it just really is an important location for me as far as exposure."

Chamberlain, a fifth-generation Nevadan, has been an agent since September 2004. Her new 1,182-square-foot location will open by Sept. 15.

Chris Bonafede, an agent with the Hone Co., said the leasing for this center has been quick, despite competition from other retail spaces in the area.

"We have one 1,900-square-foot space left and we're in the process of leasing that, and then it'll all be 100 percent leased," he said.

Other tenants at the center: Carousel Kids children's store, El Aguila Real Mexican restaurant, Pizza Factory and Northern Nevada Bank.

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