One-stoplight town has two major retail centers in the works

Avoiding the usual chain-store fare, Dayton's planned 90,000 square-foot Como Park will house five local shops, including a hot dog shop.

Residents and developers alike have often complained that Dayton's retail space is insufficient for its population, which some officials put at 15,000. Developer Mike Walker, who also owns Dayton Valley Floral and Nursery, said his $12 million retail center on Dayton Valley and Old Como roads will be a retail village.

"We're going to have a doctor's office, a hair salon and spa and a Steamers Hot Dogs," he said Thursday. "We'll also have a restaurant like a major chain Applebee's."

John Uhart, a Carson City broker, said Como Garden's first phase includes 15 buildings for a total of 31,400 square feet. This first phase will cost about $4 million and will be followed quickly by two other construction phases. The spaces are for sale or lease. An association will be set up for the park, which will governed by conditions established by the owner.

Uhart said about a quarter of the space in phase one has been grabbed up. But he won't yet announce all the tenants, or the ones he is trying to attract.

"I'd love to see an Applebee's out there, or a fine Mexican restaurant," Uhart said. "Dayton doesn't have a whole lot out there, and the population is growing. But we hope to change that."

Steven Hasson, Lyon County planning director, said the nine acres is zoned for commercial and Walker wouldn't have to come in for a special use permit as long as the uses are compatible with the zoning. He said traffic is a concern, but that could be solved by a secondary avenue out on Dayton Valley Road. But that proposal hasn't reached county commissioners yet.

Ron Gray, a first-time business owner who is buying space in Como Park, said Thursday his hot dog restaurant called Steamers will open in September. He and his wife, Marilyn, have always wanted to open a '50s-style malt shop.

"Everything will be freshly cooked and made in front of the customer," Gray said. "We're going to have a variety of hot dogs, such as chili dogs, Cajun dog, kraut dogs, one that's a double-double, which is two hot dogs in one bun."

Como Parks isn't the only retail center planned for Dayton. The Hone Co. of Minden is developing the Dayton Delta retail center around Smith's on Highway 50, which includes 25,000-square-feet of retail space. Its first phase is scheduled for completion in July.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

Como Park Businesses

• A beauty spa

• Steamers Hot Dogs, owned by Dayton residents Ron and Marilyn Gray

• A possible ice cream parlor, also owned by the Grays

• Western Title

• A hair salon