Prospects looking up for Dayton retail center

The economic outlook for River Vista Commercial Center in Dayton is looking up, thanks to an incoming bank branch and a new salon.

Nevada State Bank recently signed a lease for 2,400 square feet of the center for a new branch, which is slated to open in February.

And Trü Hair Studio just opened, bringing the occupancy of the Dayton Valley Road development up to approximately 70 percent.

"I think it's going pretty good," said owner Phil Cowee. "It's definitely a tough economy for retailers. But we are doing OK."

The center is also home to the 1st & 10 Sports Bar & Grill, River Vista Fitness and River Vista Storage. But Cowee is optimistic about how the bank and hair salon will drive traffic to the center. He said he's meeting with another business owner this weekend who is interested in retail space.

"There's still interest, and that's good," Cowee said. "With the anchor tenants in there, it's more attractive."

Cowee said that while it has taken more time than he planned to acquire his tenants, he was confident that businesses would eventually come his way.

"Dayton was so underserved for commercial space," he said. "I've lived in Dayton for a long time, and there's not much commercial space out there."

Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or (775) 881-1261.