Lance-Kashian & Company’s development of major commercial projects in the Fresno area, including the River Park and the forthcoming Fancher Creek and Campus Pointe communities, has been a major part of Fresno’s evolution from a mid-size farming city to major California metro area with amenities aplenty. Whether it’s a shopping center, office park, or a unique residential community mixed close to services and conveniences, each Lance-Kashian project is approached with a creative, out of the box approach. If you’ve ever driven through once-rural Fresno on Highway 41,  you probably noticed the Marketplace at River Park, Shops at River Park, and River Park Plaza, clearly visible from the highway. Anchored by national tenants and highly trafficked by Central Valley residents for shopping and dining, the properties are a clear commercial destination for the region. An Edwards Cinema 21-screen theater, located at the Shops at River Park, is among the nation’s top ticket sellers, drawing up to 5 million visitors a year. Generating foot traffic has never been a problem here. Nevertheless, the developer supports regular events like a farmer’s market, live music and dancing entertain shoppers and create a fun and festive ambiance. The company has also made it a point to assist area nonprofits. Lance-Kashian covered the rent and electric bill for an ASPCA pet adoption center at the River Park. During two and a half years, more than 2000 pets went to loving homes. One of Lance-Kashian’s newest contracts, a senior/student housing project with a connection to Fresno State University, will be especially unprecedented. The intent is to attract active older adults who aren’t ready to stop learning, but do want to downsize to apartment-style living. The student residents will live nearby the senior living area and share common shared outdoor community spaces. When they get to class, they might see some of their older neighbors – senior renters will be able to attend classes at Fresno State for free, and an on-site movie theater will cater its programming to their tastes. The commercial part of the development will bring in some of the best of Fresno’s favorite local restaurateurs, which will likely attract diners of all ages for great Mexican, Chinese and Armenian food. The development will also feature work-force housing and a hotel. “Where you can dine and hang out and live all in one spot, it’s pretty unique for Fresno,” said Tracy Kashian, Marketing and Event Coordinator at Lance-Kashian. Lance-Kashian also has another long-awaited project in the works. Fancher Creek, a southeast Fresno project that will include commercial, housing, offices and industrial development, is expected to move forward this year. Fresno’s residential development is pushing east with the extension of Highway 180, and the Fancher Creek shopping center will serve those residents. Apartments will be located above some of the retail stores, and the restaurants will be located around a central lake, like a smaller-scale version of Las Vegas’ Bellagio. Sounds like an exciting time to be living in...