Traditions inside Traditions

They are two separate projects with the same name, and if construction begins in August as planned, they could mark the rebirth of Dayton construction.

Susan Dorr, planning and development manager for Manhart Consulting, said development is beginning at Traditions, even if it is a casino, rather than the homes that were initially planned back in 2004.

"I'm very excited to see some development going on at Traditions," she said.

Dorr said that a special-use permit will go before Lyon County commissioners in July for a 79,000-square-foot hotel and casino to be built in two phases.

The first phase will have a 30,000-square-foot gaming area, two restaurants, parking areas and the intersection of Traditions Parkway with Highway 50 East. Construction is expected to begin around August, she said.

The two restaurants in the first phase will be a coffee shop with 165 seats and a steakhouse with seating for 110. The gaming area is expected to have a poker area, sports book and two bars.

The second phase will include a hotel with 250 rooms, another restaurant and 5,000 square feet of meeting space, designed by Randy Brown of MBA Architects. Both will be located near the proposed commercial space on the property.

Traditions Casino will be the entrance point to the master-planned development, also called Traditions, which has been slowed because of the housing slump according to Don Smit of Project One.

"We've been so careful with this project," he said. "It's a great project, it's got great legs. We believe this will be a catalyst for the Traditions master-planned community, and therefore Dayton, too."

Smit said from the beginning the two were kept separate, despite the same names.

Though he was involved with the Traditions residential development, he said a different group bought part of the property for the casino, about three-quarters of a mile from Fortune Drive where the Carson Tahoe Dayton Hospital is expected to be built.

Smit said that in addition to the four-story hotel and third restaurant, a fitness center and swimming pool are planned.

It may seem like a pipe dream in the current economic environment, but Smit said it's serious.

"They hope to be open by Memorial Day next year," he said, adding that the special use permit and boundary line adjustment have already been requested.

Though the master-planned community Traditions is on hold because of the market, both Dorr and Smit said this would be a shot in the arm for Dayton and will show residents what the community will look like.

"All the improvements to the entrance to Traditions and the landscaping and entry features will be a part of the construction of the casino," he said.

The master-planned community expects 5,000 homes on 2,400 acres with lake and water features, and 82 acres of commercial areas, Dorr said.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.