Carson Mall develops 'village' look

As shopping centers across the country continue to lose their sizzle along with their tenants, visionary property owners are finding new ways to revive their investments.

Kevin Ray, property manager for the Carson Mall, says that's what the mall's owner Francis Carrington is doing for the shopping center that sits at the intersection of Carson and Stewart streets.

"It takes a person who is interested in Carson City to do this. Mr. Carrington realized it (the mall) was getting a little dated so he decided to create a village look," Ray said.

One challenge, however, was figuring out how to draw Carsonites to the mall, particularly after the anchor store, Gottschalks, pulled out.

"To do that, we asked, 'What do we all do every day?' and the answer was that we eat. So, what we're creating here is, first, a gathering place. People still want to get out and socialize, so they go out to eat," Ray said.

It started on the newly built east side of the mall with L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Charley's Grilled Subs, and most recently, Paul Schat's Bakery.

Doug and Jamesa Cramer also plan to open a new eatery, Paradise Cove Cafe, providing a tropical theme with waterfalls, thatched roofs and outdoor seating. They will offer seafood and pasta along with other traditional dinner fare, Ray said.

"With lunch and breakfast covered, I knew I needed a dinner house, so they were a perfect fit," he said.

The Cramers, who own Mom & Pop's Diner on Third Street, suffered a blow Thursday when the Carson City Board of Supervisors denied their application for $40,000 in redevelopment funds. Doug Cramer said during the meeting that if denied, he would be forced to scale back his plans.

Ray said he was shocked by the decision.

"I am very disappointed that the supervisors went against the unanimous recommendation of the Redevelopment Citizen's Advisory Committee," he said.

Other food establishments located on the mall property are Deli Francesco, Carl's Jr., Dutch Bros. Coffee and Little Caesar's Pizza.

But eateries are only part of the equation for reviving the Carson Mall - lots of shops and events make up the rest.

Some of the newest additions to the mall are:

• The Wedding Emporium with Tux Town, Revelations Costume Boutique, New 2 U Bridal and Anytime Photography

• The Christmas Store which is moving from Topsy Lane in Douglas County

• Cherokee Scents Candle Co. which moved from downtown

• The Dance Shoppe which also moved from downtown

• The V&T Shop

• Ruho Vintage Consignment and gown designs

"You want to find the right people with the right energy," Ray said. "If anyone out there is looking for a good business opportunity, we have two spots left. We'll work with them, but we'd like to have them in here by Christmas."

Ray said that although Gottschalks was a great benefit, it isn't always wise to rely on a big box store.

"We can look at this as a great opportunity for smaller stores. Right now, we have a lot of interest from various-sized stores, and there are certain box stores that are looking at us, but they're not locked in," he said.

Ray declined to name the stores, but said that if it doesn't happen, "it gives us an opportunity to create more of the village atmosphere we have on the Stewart Street side."

Ray also said foot traffic is already being generated by mall events including:

• 30 new vendors for the holidays starting the second week in November

• Local artists' work displayed

• A summer concert series

• Live jazz performances

• The Grimes Haunted Labyrinth

• Safe Halloween trick-or-treating with all shops giving out candy

• A November wedding fair with more than 40 local vendors

• Health fairs and flu shots

• Santa Claus during December

• The Nevada Day Pinewood Derby

• Regular cooking demonstrations

• Patriot's Day $10,000 prize package for a soldier

• Nevada Day Parade ending in the mall parking lot

"We're hooking up wireless throughout and adding sofas to create seating areas," Ray said.

"We are trying to make it so you can come here for a little bit of everything with lots of boutiques We're all about food and fun," he said.

The mall is normally open until 7 p.m. weekdays. It is open until 9 p.m. for the holiday season and during October for the haunted house.