By Amanda Raymond
amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY – Plans for the development of the former Pancho Villas Mexican Grill and Bar restaurant location are moving forward.

According to Preston Mitchell, Development Services manager, plans have been approved to develop the site on East Innes Street, which will bring in at least two new restaurants.

The site plan from Tribek Properties to develop the property was submitted to the city back in December of last year and the company closed on the property last week, according to Alex Kelly, partner in Tribek Properties.

Kelly said phase one of the project includes constructing a multi-tenant building for three businesses. Two restaurants have committed to moving in and there is space for a retail business.

The second phase includes constructing another building that can be used by a restaurant or retail business.

Tribek Properties will construct the buildings, parking lots and landscaping, while the individual businesses will outfit their spaces once the construction is complete.

Mitchell said the city has been in contact with Buffalo Wild Wings, but it is too early to say whether the restaurant will definitely be moving into the site.

Mitchell said the biggest thing delaying the project is the Newsome Road extension. The city is working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to extend Newsome Road across East Innes Street to eventually connect with Bendix Drive.

Tribek Properties will connect the road from Innes Street to Faith Road, and NC DOT is working with the owner of the Innes Street Market Shopping Center to convert its driveway into a public road that will connect to Bendix Drive.

Mitchell said the next step will be a public hearing to talk about an environmental study that is required for the extension, held by the NC DOT. Then Tribek Properties will be required to submit plans for the roadway’s design.

Kelly said the company hopes to begin construction in January of 2017. They expect the individual businesses to be able to outfit their portions of the building by the summer of 2017 and be open to the public some time in the fall of 2017.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.