Long-vacant Reno retail space leased

One of Reno's largest retail vacancies a former Montgomery Ward store at 1900 Silverada Blvd.

is off the market after a flurry of leasing activity.

The 76,000-square-foot store, closed more than two years ago, was leased in three pieces, said Richard Ekman of Ekman Properties, whose firm represented the plaza's owners:

* 98cents Store, which was represented by Ron Boles of Dickson Realty, leased 14,461 square feet.

* Furniture Depot, in a deal in which Ekman represented both sides, leased 27,019 square feet.

* Goodwill Industries, which was represented by Ken Stark of NAI Hale Day Gallagher Co., leased 32,000 square feet.

Ekman said the leases bring the center to full occupancy.

But, he added, the process was difficult as several potential deals fell through after Montgomery Ward closed the store, part of a nationwide move.

Next, the center will undergo a general sprucing up.

Its parking lot has been resurfaced, Ekman said, and exterior improvements including landscaping will be under way.

New entrances also will be created for the new tenants in the former Montgomery Ward store.

The center, which opened in 1967, is owned by a family trust based in Los Angeles.

It sits on just under 11 acres.

The property is part of a low-profile, but busy, commercial corridor along Oddie and Silverada boulevards near the border of Sparks and Reno.

Major retailers in the area include Lowe's Home Improvement and Kmart.