Local vet plans condos, retail space in Frisco
by Scott Lindrup Special to the Daily
FRISCO " A local veterinarian has big plans for property on the corner of Granite Street and Summit Boulevard in Frisco that could include affordable condominiums and expanded commercial space.
Paul Veralli, chief doctor and owner of Frisco Animal Hospital, plans to redevelop the animal clinic site, the Frisco Boardwalk Center and the recycling drop-off property, which he purchased from the town in June for $1.25 million.
The animal clinic is already being moved from the property, and the Boardwalk will be demolished, Veralli said. Teller Alley between the Boardwalk and current recycling site could be reconfigured so that the new complex would be joined, he said.
Veralli is looking for local businesses to fill the planned commercial space.
"No chains, no Bennigan's, thank you," he said, adding that he has already been approached by a few doctors and two local restaurateurs, one looking to relocate and one looking to open a new restaurant.
Brenda Ward, owner of the Discount Carpet Outlet in the Frisco Boardwalk, has no plans to relocate. Her lease is not up for two years, and she said she was told she would have an opportunity to purchase retail space in the new development.
The recycling site sale by the town included a requirement for eight units that would qualify as affordable housing. With the planned condominiums, Veralli wants to upgrade the accommodations available in Frisco.
"We're appealing more to your Front Range types," he said.
The units would range in price from $330,000 to $600, 000.
Summit Recycling Project plans to move the drop-off center to the County Commons before its lease ends in May. That location may prove to be temporary if the proposed Home Depot is approved by voters on Dec. 13, since plans include funding for a recycling center in or near Frisco.
"Even if the vote passes, things are still up in the air," said Carly Wier, executive director of Summit Recycling Project.
The animal clinic will be relocated next to Starbucks on Summit Boulevard, and Veralli said he hopes to have the hospital operating there by early February.
While the development is still in the conceptual phase and has no official name, Veralli said he hopes to begin construction next summer. He acknowledged that commercial real estate is often a tough sell, but said he believes the Boardwalk site provides great visibility and plenty of parking.
"We think it will add value to downtown," he said.
No official plans have been submitted to the town, according to community development director Mark Gage.
Originally published in Summit Daily News, November 11th, 2005