The developer who first proposed the Whitmore Towers commercial development opposite Ceres High School in 2019 is apparently moving forward with plans.

On Tuesday evening the Ceres Planning Commission approved a lot line adjustment to consolidate seven parcels to one for the development of Whitmore Towers, a 7,280-square-foot retail building focused on eating establishments on the triangle-shaped lot across the street from Ceres High School. Buildings cannot be constructed over lot lines so the consolidation must be first granted.

Anthony Nowaid of the Calabasas based Sugarman Asset Management, LLC is the proponent. He did not return the Courier’s phone call inquiring about the project.

The triangle-shaped block at Whitmore and Central avenues is 1.13 acres in size and was created years ago when Caltrans created the new Whitmore Avenue interchange with Highway 99.

The building would specifically accommodate up to seven retail spaces with a variety of uses to serve residents and highway travelers. Nowaid proposes the building to be divided into three separate food-oriented tenant spaces with two outdoor seating areas – one on the roof – and a foyer that would accommodate the customers of those restaurant users. As proposed, one 4,300-square-foot sit-down restaurant would be created, along with a 1,200-square-foot fast-food restaurant, and a 1,200-square-foot ice cream shop.

Renee Ledbetter, who will be the leasing agent when the building goes up, said Nowaid has been working with a civil engineer on landscaping and building plans. The process was slowed because of the pandemic and other factors.