While redevelopment efforts often center on big projects, Stephanie Tsanas figures that little ones count, too.
And she has a pretty good example at 600 S.
Center St., just south of Reno's downtown, where a group of small businesses have gathered around a firm that she launched in early 2004.
Tsanas opened Northern Nevada Reflexology in a 1,500-square-foot space that previously was the home of a printing company at the edge-of-downtown location.
Last spring, she added The Alexandratos Gallery to handle fine art.
In recent months, two more consumer-oriented businesses On Balance Fitness and Achieve Fitness have moved into the approximately 5,000-square-foot building.
On Balance Fitness is owned by Chad Timmerman and Mollie Connell.Achieve Fitness is owned by Karen Carabio and Megan Seiver, formerly of downtown's Fitness Evolution.
The building is owned by Tony Magagnini.
Tsanas said other retailers as well are beginning to move into the neighborhood, and a $9.1 million, 84-unit senior housing project is under construction nearby at South Virginia and Thoma streets.
For retailers, she said, the often-overlooked neighborhood provides a good location.
"We're within 20 minutes of anyone in Reno," Tsanas said.
And for art-related businesses such as The Alexandratos Gallery, she said the neighborhood's proximity to the Nevada Museum of Art is a strong drawing card.
The businesses plan to celebrate their facilities with an open house from 2-5 p.m.
on Sunday.
