Sparks retail centers target summer openings

Roseville, Calif.

developer Michael O'Connell, who's made a name for himself specializing in unanchored retail centers in northern California, is breaking ground on two new Sparks shopping centers Wildcreek Plaza and part of D'Andrea Pointe and planning a summer opening for both.

The 13,000-square-foot Wildcreek Plaza at McCarran Boulevard and El Rancho Drive may be the first center to open.

It's in permit stage now, says Brandy Murray, operations manager for O'Connell Commercial LLC, the management company overseeing all O'Connell properties.

Wildcreek Plaza investors are targeting a mix of retail and restaurant tenants, she says.

"We're getting a lot of attention from national tenants already," adds Murray.

But no signatures on the dotted line yet.

Wildcreek Plaza is a semi-anchored center, says Murray.

Though it does not have its own major anchor, it sits on a lot connected to the Northtowne Plaza's parking lot, a center anchored by Ross Stores.

It also has its own entrance off El Rancho Drive.

It's designed in a craftsman style by Don Mackey Architects, Ltd.,with Moody Weiske Contractors as builders.

The other new O'Connell retail center is contiguous to D'Andrea Pointe, which is anchored by Walgreen's another "semianchored center," says Murray.

It is located off Vista Boulevard near D'Andrea parkway in Sparks.

The center was designed by Cathexes Architects and is scheduled to be built by Moody Weiske Contractors.

It's 23,000 square feet adjoining the Walgreen's parking lot and divided into two large buildings plus one restaurant pad of 3,200 square feet.

The D'Andrea center will be a bit more upscale than Wildcreek and will include a patio and fountain, says Murray.

O'Connell Commercial has been in the development business for 10 years, she adds, with Michael O'Connell serving as the constant in several limited partnerships.

Plans are to hold title and lease the centers.

O'Connell has developed retail centers in Sacramento, Rocklin, and Elk Grove and is actively seeking additional retail center possibilities in the Reno/Sparks area.