Development company proposes commercial center for airport

Only one developer responded to Carson City Airport's request for bids to lease the front airport property for use as a commercial center.

Airport Authority Chairman Neil Weaver said Friday the board may be pleased with the only approved bidder: Ribeiro Companies. Carson City-based Sterling Air also submitted a bid proposal letter, but the board rejected the proposal because it did not meet state requirements.

Ribeiro Companies is a development, construction and property management company that has worked in Nevada for more than 40 years and has constructed more than 15 million square feet of commercial and residential properties.

Ed Yuill, a Ribeiro Companies representative, wrote in his proposal that the company would build 187,136 square feet of multi-tenant retail and light industrial buildings, restaurant/office buildings on 24,215 square feet and a convenience store on 38,925 square feet off Graves Lane.

Airport Authority Board member Richard Staub said Ribeiro would bring a positive change to the airport.

"I think it's a very good and positive step in the right direction to improve the airport as an economic engine for the city," he said.

According to the company's resume, which it submitted to the airport authority as part of the bid proposal process, it has developed aviation-related properties in Clark County. The company has also developed Carson Quail Park on South Carson and Rhodes streets and several commercial/office spaces in Reno.

"We were hoping to get a few more bids, but we think we may be well pleased with this one," Weaver said.

At its March 16 meeting, the board decided to lease out about seven acres at the airport's entrance. The board will not decide to accept or reject Ribeiro's bid proposal until after its legal counsel and an accountant review it.

Staub said the board requested a minimum rate to lease the land of 30 cents per square foot per year, but Ribeiro only offered to lease it for 8 cents per square foot.

Staub said there are other aspects of the bid that could bring in more money to the airport, including a cut from the gross sales of a gas station. Staub said the 8-cent-per- square-foot rent offer would only generate $1,248 a month.

The airport authority will meet 6 p.m. Wednesday in the El Aero Services building, 2101 Arrowhead Drive, to award the bid. For information call 883-1500.

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