Economy shows signs of shifting in Centennial area

The northwest is expanding, and with it comes a spur of economic growth.

From the $47 million interchange between U.S. Highway 95 and the 215 Beltway (dubbed the Centennial Bowl), to the construction of Skye Canyon — the upcoming 1,700-acre, master-planned community with 9,000 homes — to construction, retail development and grand openings, the growth in this part of the valley shows no signs of stopping.

"With rooftops come businesses," said Mayor Pro Tem and Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross. "We have about 79 new businesses (open in the area) a month; that includes home-based businesses. It's happening. We are back."

View takes a look at some of the new and upcoming businesses in the northwest area.

GOODWILL OPENS FIRST CENTENNIAL HILLS LOCATION

Goodwill of Southern Nevada opened its first thrift store in Centennial Hills on Aug. 14.

The 17,000-square-foot, build-to-suit retail store at 6765 N. Durango Drive features a 12,000-square-foot sales floor and a drive-thru donation center and created 40 new jobs in Goodwill of Southern Nevada's retail and operations department.

"This is a big year for Goodwill of Southern Nevada. As a local nonprofit, we are not only opening a record number of retail stores but also celebrating 40 years of serving the greater Las Vegas community," said Steve Chartrand, Goodwill of Southern Nevada president and CEO, in a recent press release. "The ability to work creates the economic energy that builds strong families, strong communities, self-confidence, friendships and independence. We believe everyone deserves a chance to have those things in life."

Revenue generated from the new store will support local job placement and training programs.

Call 702-906-2206 or visit goodwill.vegas.

DRINK AND DINE

In August, Total Wine & More opened its third Las Vegas Valley store at 5720 Centennial Center Blvd. inside Centennial Gateway East near U.S. Highway 95.

The independent retailer of fine wine started in 1991 when brothers David and Robert Trone opened two wine stores in Delaware. The business has since grown to operate more than 100 superstores across 15 states.

It carries more than 8,000 wines from every wine-producing region in the world, according to totalwine.com. It also carries more than 2,500 beers — from America's most popular brands to hard-to-find microbrews and imports — and more than 3,000 spirits in every style and price range. Call 702-515-1258.

Lee's Discount Liquor hosted a grand opening Aug. 15 for its new Centennial Hills location at 6690 N. Durango Drive inside the Montecito Crossing shopping mall.

Lee's has been serving the Las Vegas Valley for more than 30 years. Founded by Hae Un Lee, who emigrated from South Korea in 1980, it offers specialty liquors, wines and beers, including major label and craft domestics along with popular and unique imports.

Call 702-919-1911 or visit leesliquorlv.com.

Extending from its Casper, Wyo., origins, FireRock Steakhouse, 5990 Centennial Center Blvd., recently opened in the northwest to offer its carnivorous message of "steak, chops, seafood."

The restaurant took over the former Stoney's North Forty Saloon & Barbecue and features a full bar with 12 video gaming machines.

FireRock takes pride in that it serves only certified Angus beef, aged a minimum of 28 days and cooked "over almond and oak on a wood fired grill."

Its menu features soups and salads, pastas, sandwiches and burgers. The restaurant also includes a full bar.

Call 702-656-6001 or visit firerocksteakhouse.com.

Hunt & Gather Cafe, 7240 W. Azure Drive, No. 145, inside the Tenaya Village retail center, offers a menu high in protein, low in carbs and with an international twist.

The restaurant made its debut in June and offers flavors inspired by American, Dominican, Puerto Rican and Mexican influences.

"It's a small, family-operated eatery based on eating the way you're intended to eat," said business owner Ignacia Embry. "The menu features items with an international twist. These are all flavors I grew up with. Everything is full of high protein and healthy grains and greens."

The restaurant also features beer and wine.

Call 702-202-2812 or visit huntandgathercafe.com.

After planning for two years, northwest resident Vince Lenhart is set to open Elevated Juice at 7703 N. El Capitan Way, No. 140, in September.

The raw, cold-pressed juice and coffee bar is planned to feature 21 raw, cold-pressed and unpasteurized juices, specialty coffees, salads and smoothies. Patrons will be able to choose from six varieties of nut milks, including walnut, pistachio and sweet potato with pecans. Specialty coffees are set to include butter maple coffee, cafe Americano, coconut oil coffee, cold-pressed coffee and organic tea.

"We will offer free Wi-Fi and seating so that people can come and hang out instead of just grab their juice and go," Lenhart said. "We want to make this a relaxing environment."

Elevated Juice plans to be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with daily specials from 4 to 6 p.m.

Call 702-305-2463 or visit drinkelevatedjuice.com.

ATTRACTING BIG BRANDS

Hobby Lobby recently opened its second Las Vegas Valley store at 6361 N. Decatur Blvd. near the 215 Beltway, with more than 70,000 arts, crafts, hobbies, home decor, holiday and seasonal products.

The 55,000-square-foot facility celebrated its opening with a ceremony Aug. 10.

Hobby Lobby began in 1970 when entrepreneurs David and Barbara Green, along with their young family, began making miniature picture frames in their garage.

A few years later, the Green family opened the first Hobby Lobby store inside 300 square feet of retail space. Now it operates more than 600 stores across the nation.

Call 702-395-0229.

Ulta, a beauty retail store, marked its grand opening in the Montecito Crossing shopping center at 6740 N. Durango Drive Aug. 14. The store also has a full-service salon with hair, skin and brow services.

Call 702-395-0569 or visit ulta.com.

Ross said that a Sprouts Farmers Market is planned near Durango Drive and Farm Road.

"The letter of intent is signed, and we're moving forward with it," Ross said. "Right now, we're working out issues with the developer. We don't have a date planned just yet."

The market focuses on fresh foods, produce, healthy foods and vitamins and supplements, according to its website, sprouts.com.

NEW TO THE LOCAL BUSINESS SCENE

The Color Room Hair International recently opened at 7240 W. Azure Drive, No. 130. The hair salon offers color, cut, perm, extension and Brazilian blowout services.

Prices range from $35 to $100.

All through September, the hair salon is offering a grand opening special of a free haircut with every color service. Military members also receive 20 percent off.

"Our philosophy is hair that goes with your lifestyle," said the owner Pui Ryden.

Call 702-982 0092.

SKYE CANYON TO BRING MORE RETAIL

Located at the last exit along U.S. Highway 95 before Kyle Canyon Road, the upcoming community dubbed Skye Canyon is one of the first master-planned communities to begin construction in Southern Nevada since the recession. Ross said a new shopping center is being built at Skye Canyon West and U.S. 95.

Planned amenities for the community also include an extensive hiking and cycling trail system, bike repair shop, amphitheater, greenhouse, and community parks within walking distance of every home.

In addition, Skye Center, an 8,142-square-foot contemporary-rustic community center, is planned with a coffee shop, a juice bar and outdoor fire pits.

Skye Fitness, a 9,663-square-foot facility, is set to include a swimming pool and splash parks, among other amenities.

Both facilities are slated to open in early 2016. Schools and a potential casino are also planned.

The master-planned community is estimated to take approximately 10 years to complete. Visit skyecanyon.com.

— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.