Hays Post

With the project being sent out for bids this week, the Boulder, Colo.-based architecture firm heading up the new retail development north of Interstate 70 in Hays said “it’s all hands on deck” to get the project up and running.

Developer Stephen Tebo of Tebo Properties is planning a 12-storefront retail development at the northeast corner of 43rd and Vine. A restaurant — Pasta Jay’s — will anchor the property.

Peter Carey, president of UP Architecture, said his firm has worked with Tebo for about a decade, noting this is UP’s first foray into Kansas.

“It’s a Tebo project. I think that’s what differentiates it. … He does things right when he does things,” Carey said. “Parking will be ample and the quality of the building will be superior.

“It will be a cut above typical malls of this kind,” he said.

Carey said real Kansas limestone is planned to be incorporated into the design of the 25,000-square-foot development — tentatively named Tebo Village — as well as “a fair amount of brick and nice overhangs.” Electric vehicle charging stations also could be included in the final design.

UP also is designing the Pasta Jay’s, and Carey said the restaurant will have an “intimate” setting. Pasta Jay’s, owned by Jay Elowsky, has locations in Utah and Colorado, and UP has extensive restaurant design experience, but this is the first time the two companies have worked together.

“(Tebo and Elowsky) both are really excited about this endeavor,” Carey said.

UP Architecture is a three-person “boutique” firm, he added, noting up to a dozen specialty consultants are enlisted depending upon the project. The firm focuses on “high-end design” is both the commercial and residential arenas.

“We do a large range of projects,” Carey said. “We try to simplify the design process … take the mystery out of it all.”

RELATED: Tebo talks about plans for upscale Hays retail.