DRI seeks proposals for first development of property

Desert Research Institute is taking a modest but critical step toward development of a research park around its headquarters on the hillsides of north Reno.

DRI Research Park Ltd., the nonprofit created by the research institute to handle development of its property, is seeking proposals for development of a two-acre parcel near the Dandini interchange with U.S. 395.

It's likely that the parcel will draw interest from developers of commercial and retail properties, says Jeff Pickett of DRI Research Park Ltd.

While a two-acre project is just a tiny splash in the ocean of development around northern Nevada, it's a key step for DRI for a couple of reasons.

First, Pickett said last week, it marks the first venture by DRI Research Park Ltd. since Congress voted last autumn to remove roadblocks to development of the property leased to DRI by the federal Bureau of Land Management.

Second, DRI officials hope the revenue generated by a land lease of property at Dandini and U.S. 395 will help bootstrap creation of a research park on the 270 developable acres that surround the institute.

One five-acre parcel of that land has been improved with basic infrastructure, and Pickett is working to assemble potential tenants, investors and a developer to create an office and laboratory project.

Potential users of the multi-tenant building, he said, include research and technology companies, particularly those with ties to DRI.

Institute executives also believe there's potential demand for space in the research park from companies that would be formed to commercialize DRI's research.

"It will almost act like an anchor tenant," Pickett said of the multi-tenant building.

DRI Research Park Ltd. will accept proposals for the interchange-area property until July 25.