McKenzie begins south-Reno retail development

McKenzie Properties, owner and operator of The Grove in south Reno, broke ground today on the first part of a planned 80,000-square-foot retail component to complement the special events center.

Todd McKenzie, a principal in the property management and development company, says it began construction of the first phase of its South Creek mixed-use development at South Virginia Street and South Meadows Parkway and will continue developing the eight-acre parcel as interest grows. Overall development could take up to three years, McKenzie says.

McKenzie Properties already has leased space at the site to Beauty Zone, a salon and beauty products retailer.

In an effort to draw more people to the area, The Grove will host a farmers market on Sundays from June 20 through Sept. 5, and McKenzie says the center also is exploring the idea of a summer concert series and other public events.

"We are really trying to make South Creek a destination," McKenzie says. "That is our overall objective."

South Creek retail, medical and office buildings will range in size from 1,100 to 11,000 square feet between single and two-story buildings.

"We are building right now because we think the economy has bottom out and turned around," McKenzie says.