Minden unveils new project

Plans for Wild Goose Villas, a mixed-use development with retail, office and residential space at 1709 Monte Vista Drive, were approved 3-1 by the Minden Town Board Nov. 7.

Located between Lucerne Street and Monte Vista Avenue, the proposed 5.93-acre project skirts Minden's Jake's Wetlands ponds.

"Inspiration for the development style was drawn from Tuscan architecture," said Darren Burger, architect with Hannafin Design Associates of Carson City. "The building uses brick, stucco and block and color to break up the facade.

The three-story structure stands about 144 feet high and includes 55 residential units with 1, 2, or 3-bedrooms with balconies on the second and third floors. In addition to parking, The first floor includes 14,478 square feet of retail space, 4,060 square feet of restaurant space and parking. Another 26,000 square feet of office space will be located in a separate building that parallels Ironwood Drive.

"This is a very large building that doesn't look large due to the use of color combinations," said Bob Hadfield of the Minden Town Board. "It's very attractive."

Khan Tung, senior associate with Hannafin Design, said developer Duane L. Deverill has hired them to proceed with full design and development. County staff have been very supportive and he doesn't anticipate any major changes in the project.

"We're hoping to break ground in the spring," he said.

If approved, the project will be built in two phases. Residential and retail space will be completed during phase one and just over 26,000 square feet of office space is scheduled to be built during phase 2.

A variance to approve reduction of loading docks, from four to three, for the project was also approved by a 3-1 vote.

The project, which reviewed the planning commission Tuesday, is proposed by the Duane U. Deverill Charitable Trust.

In other business:

-- The board unanimously approved a variance for a 10-foot chain link security fence for Douglas High School's all-weather track and football field.

-- Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.