By Judy Newman
Wisconsin State Journal
September 7, 2009

Remember where Chi-Chi’s used to be, at Mineral Point and Grand Canyon roads?

The restaurant closed in 2004 and was later torn down, leaving a very visible gap for the past several years.

But construction could begin before the end of 2009 on the first of a pair of buildings designed to house offices, shops, and, yes, even restaurants.

Total Care Dental is the first tenant to sign a lease to occupy space in one of the buildings. When another tenant signs, construction can begin, said Ryon Savasta, a commercial leasing agent for Sara Investment Real Estate. Sara Investment is management agent for the property, at 414 Grand Canyon Road, which is owned by an investment group.

“Our attitude toward the project is still very good,” Savasta said. “For as challenging as the environment is right now, we’re really excited about the progress that we’ve made.”

Proposed is a $7.5 million project with two buildings and 100 parking spaces.

The first building, facing Grand Canyon Road, will be a two-story, 20,000-square-foot building with office space on the second floor and shops at ground level. It won’t be built, though, until 20 percent of the building is leased.

“That’s really being dictated by the bank, which is unusual for our projects,” Savasta said. If another lease is not signed soon, construction will likely wait until 2010.

Look for potential tenants such as a salon, dry cleaner, tax advisor or chiropractor, Savasta said.

And there could be a restaurant in one or both of the project’s buildings. Savasta said he is negotiating with two restaurant companies, one local and one national. One would serve breakfast; the other, dinner. No names are being released yet.

The second building will wait until the first is “substantially occupied,” Savasta said. It will be about 10,000 square feet, mainly retail, and will face Mineral Point Road.

For more information please see: 414 Grand Canyon Drive closer to construction