DALLAS TWP. — Three national brands have already expressed interest in leasing retail space in the soon-to-be-constructed Shoppes at Yalick Farms.
Yalick Farms, a condominium and townhome community located off Route 415 in Dallas, has experienced immense growth over the past two years with several residential units built, filling in the former 50-acre farm.
Phase one of the planned retail shops will be finished in the fall, said developer J. Naparlo.
“We broke ground about two months ago to build 10,000 square feet of retail space,” he said.
Phase one, located to the right of the main entrance off Route 415, currently consists of the building’s foundation with pipes laid for water, storm water run-off and utilities. But when the proposed brick building is complete in November, it will offer seven storefronts, with one having a drive-thru capability.
“I have received interest from three national brands,” Naparlo said. “I can’t say who they are yet,” he continued, citing contracts have not been signed.
Phase two of the Shoppes at Yalick Farms will consist of 9,000 square feet cluster of six store fronts and one separate retail space with a drive-thru feature.
Phase two construction will not begin until phase one is leased, he said.
The growth of Yalick Farms was steady.
“We have a permit to build 288 residential units,” Naparlo said. “We are about half way, with 150 built. We are building 36 more units. Half are pre-leased already.”
The high-end residential community began in 2008 with a handful of condo and townhome units on the sprawling lot. Naparlo found leasing condos and townhouses appealed to many healthcare professionals moving into the area.
“We have many people in the medical fields here,” he said.
Naparlo said he believes when people move into the area, they are often not sure if they want to buy a home or where to buy, making the option of leasing appealing.
On-site amenities such as a heated pool, tennis courts, a club house to host events, an exercise room, children’s playground and shops add to the development’s attraction, he said.
Robert L. Besecker Sr., a realtor in the Back Mountain for 53 years, said the region has had a steady migration since the 1972 flood.
The Dallas School District’s strong reputation combined with the close proximity of Penn State Wilkes-Barre and Misericordia University, low crime and lack of the threat of flooding help make the region attractive to professionals, Besecker said.
