Purchase of lots will complete land for condos

Dan Kulin

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 | 9:53 a.m.

The Henderson City Council on Tuesday approved the purchase of two downtown lots that will give the city sole ownership of a stretch of Basic Road, freeing up land for a proposed development of 48 loft-style condominiums.

In two separate actions, the council voted 3-0 to pay $130,000 for 115 W. Basic Road and $150,000 for 139 W. Basic Road. The city had previously purchased the other nine parcels that make up the 11 pieces of property along the south side of Basic Road between Pacific Avenue and Lead Street, which is just down the street from City Hall.

City Redevelopment Manager Robert Ryan said that on April 6 the council will be presented with a proposed agreement between the city and private developer Jack Webb. Ryan said the proposed agreement will likely call for the city to allow Webb to build on the property and sell the condominiums. The buyers of those condos would pay the city for the land, he said.

Webb has said the homes will be aimed at young professionals who want to live downtown.

Councilman Steve Kirk said he sees this project as a first step in bringing more new residential development downtown.

"We're trying to rekindle downtown as a destination place," he said.

Mayor Jim Gibson and Councilman Andy Hafen were absent from the Tuesday council meeting. Gibson was at another meeting in Henderson to discuss a proposed heliport south of Sloan.