County approves million-square-foot shopping center

Stephen Curran

Thursday, May 19, 2005 | 9:53 a.m.

The Clark County Commission on Wednesday approved a 1 million-square-foot shopping center billed "the talk of the retail community' that will likely alter the ever-changing face of the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.

The yet unnamed project, which sits at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard South and Sunset Road, would contain several large chain stores, retail buildings and a 4,000-seat movie theater, attorney Tabitha Keetch representing developer Turnberry/Centra, LLC, told the commission.

The project, which county staff recommended the commission approve, was significant as another shopping hub, a key argument made by the developer.

"This has literally been the talk of the retail community nationwide," Keetch said.

Under the agreement, the developer is expected to contribute more than $10 million in traffic improvements including adding new lanes to Las Vegas Boulevard to counter a likely spike in traffic in the area, she said.

The board, acting as the zoning board, approved the project 5-0 with little discussion.

In other action, commissioners approved a use permit application for a controversial condominium project after the developer removed another application to increase the height of the tower, which drew protest from homeowners who attended the meeting.

That property, which sits on Giles Street near Shelbourne Avenue, has long held zoning allowing a 50-foot building to sit on the 2.5-acre parcel adjacent to larger rural lots. Several residents have voiced concerns about developer Mercury Development's plans to double the height.

The use permit was unlikely to be contested given the long-standing zoning on that and neighboring properties.

Commissioners approved the use permit 5-0 but did not vote on the tabled measures waivers to increase the height and a design review for the proposed structure. Those matters must again go before the Enterprise Town Board, commissioners said.