A Reno-based developer, through its construction contractor, Mercer Construction Co., has begun grading at Bel Villaggio at the northwest corner of Margarita Road and North General Kearny Road near Interstate 15. The project on 16 acres will cater to specialty, home furnishings and soft goods retailers, along with restaurant and cafe operators.

The one-million-sf Promenade regional mall has been a magnet for retail development on its out parcels since its 1999 opening. In many cases, the popularity of the area's new restaurants has outstripped the ability to provide parking, causing congestion in the area.

Construction is expected to begin on the Bel Villaggio project during the second quarter, with completion in time for the holiday shopping season. In developing the new shopping center, Reno-based Schultz & Associates LLC, is striving for a European village theme with the use of walkways, extensive landscaping, colorful awnings and trellised courtyards surrounding decorative fountains.

The project offers flexible floor plans divisible to accommodate users from 1,000 to 18,000 sf, along with build-to-suit pads. Corona-based MCA Architects Inc. designed the project. Kirk Allison and Vic Gausepohl in the Carlsbad office of Colliers International are exclusively marketing the retail project.