Reno Development News - Page 2

ScraperDude · January 31st, 2008, 05:20 PM

All I can say is thank god for burying the train tracks. When I visited Reno it was annoying to have to deal with a train in a downtown area. This is going to be AWESOME when they cover it... sorta like how the Wal-Greens capped the I-80.

bigdave26 · February 1st, 2008, 04:19 AM

Yes the lowering the tracks is one of the major things that spurred downtown redevelopment. A lot of people were very against it, however, it has proven that it was huge for downtown.

bigdave26 · February 4th, 2008, 05:06 AM

Here is a great article on the train trench cover, and other redevelopment in downtown as a result of acquiring 120 acres from the railroad.

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...802030358/1002

A greenbelt loop tying together the Truckee River, Idlewild Park and Reno's central gaming district is proposed by city consultants to provide a new identity for downtown Reno as well as serve as an anchor for building new residential neighborhoods.

New neighborhoods along the proposed greenbelt on Third Street and the railroad trench, pockets of retail, a possible business park and narrow shop-lined streets and alleys in the heart of downtown are proposed as ways to transform downtown's "rough-looking" areas into a place where residents and visitors would want to congregate.

The plans are contained in a $500,000 study by Freedman, Tung and Bottomley, an urban design firm in San Francisco that prepared the "blueprint" for downtown Reno in 1991 that still is in use.

The design firm was asked to find ways to make the best use of more than 120 acres the city inherited along the tracks when the $282 million railroad trench was completed in 2005.

And in so doing, the study lays out a scheme for revitalizing much of downtown -- a two-mile swath from Keystone to Sutro streets. Now in a public review stage, the study is expected to go to the Reno City Planning Commission and the City Council over the next two months.

"It's an excellent road map to stitch together a new east-west corridor and stitch downtown back together," said Jim Hunting, president of the Downtown Improvement Association.

Much of the land is dotted with rundown warehouses, old boarding houses, older homes or vacant lots, as well as a few well-kept businesses. "For years, the existence of the railroad created an environment for disinvestment," Hunting said.

If the council accepts the new plan, Reno redevelopment director Mark Lewis believes some of the concepts, such as incorporating new design standards for development, could be put into practice quickly.

But with none of the engineering work done, Lewis said he has no cost estimates for the public improvements. More detailed plans would follow.

The consultants acknowledge the vision is a long-term plan. But the City Council recently revamped its downtown priorities and approved construction for a two-block plaza over the tracks in front of Fitzgeralds Casino-Hotel and the Montage condominiums, now under construction. The plaza would then connect with the proposed greenbelt on Third Street.

To revitalize land along the trench, east of downtown, the consultants had an easy job. Construction is expected to start in late February on a new Triple-A baseball park and a new entertainment/shopping zone. The council approved redevelopment plans for the project in record time last fall.

In laying out its plans for downtown, the Freedman group projects 2,742 residential units could be built, three-quarters of which would be built west of Virginia Street. In all, about 20 blocks are identified for potential mid-rise residential buildings.

Of 1 million square feet of new commercial buildings, most of the new shops would be built in neighborhood or town centers on Fourth Street, according to the study.

A new pedestrian bridge linking Idlewild Park to Fourth Street could serve as a draw in creating a new office park on West Fourth Street. The bridge would cross the Truckee River and the railroad tracks.

The centerpiece of the plan is a proposed greenway along Third Street and the trench. With "spectacular" views of the mountains, the consultants say the greenway could become "the second-greatest view corridor after the Truckee River."

Trees would be planted to create a canopy over Third Street. Wave-like artistic walls would bring in a river theme to dress up the trench, towers would be built at the street bridge crossings, and other touches would reflect the city's "trembling leaves" theme.

With a new bridge at Idlewild Park and the Sutro underpass at the other end, the greenbelt would link to the Truckee River bikeway and create a 3.8-mile long walking and bike loop.

"The loop would enhance livability for both downtown residents and visitors and tie together downtown entertainment and neighborhoods," the study said. "But more importantly, it would impart a new dimension of place and downtown Reno identity."

Along Third Street, residential buildings would line the 9-block grand boulevard and side streets. With the trains running below ground, they are no longer a bother. Having the river within close walking distance is another draw.

While calling it a great plan, Reno architect Jon Dewey said the 230-page study needs a companion volume on how to get the community involved in getting the job done. "I'm sure other communities tackled this same problem. We need to know how they do it," he said.

Hunting agreed a playbook is needed. He also believes the Reno Redevelopment Agency should play a strong role overseeing the plan and working with property owners and developers to make it happen.

If done all at once, Dewey said it would be the biggest project the city has ever attempted. But he said the city could create the partnerships needed to bring about the changes. He said there's more openness at City Hall than he's seen in the past 20 years.

This would really densify downtown.

mdiederi · February 4th, 2008, 06:46 AM

Wow, that would be really nice if they could pull it off.

bigdave26 · February 15th, 2008, 02:08 AM

Supposedly the baseball stadium will break ground on February 25.

This is a huge project:

Jim856796 · February 17th, 2008, 01:36 PM

Will the Grand Sierra Resort have any additional hotel towers built? The Grand Sierra has a lot of condo towers to be built.

bigdave26 · February 18th, 2008, 08:18 AM

Currently at the Grand Sierra there is only 1 tower, and it is a hotel. They have a bunch of condos planned. I don't know if it will ever happen.

Ramope · February 20th, 2008, 07:58 AM

You live in a nice place, when I visited Reno I was a child...
Today you have great projects (the pics looks great too)

I want to visit Reno again....

Visit Chiapas, Mexico thread!

bigdave26 · February 21st, 2008, 01:02 AM

The Townhouses at Holcomb Place are breaking ground tomorrow. They are 16 attached homes right in the downtown core, about 2/3 blocks from the river.

Downtown Townhome Development to Launch Construction to Begin on 16 Homes in Redevelopment Zone Reno, NV February 19, 2008 – Signaling continued faith in the resurgence of downtown Reno, a locally-owned development company is moving forward with construction of sixteen luxury townhomes on the block bounded by Holcomb, Pine, River Rock and State Streets. Townhouses @ Holcomb Place will be built on the edge of downtown near the Siena Casino/Hotel, and, along with planned developments nearby, will help transform the neighborhood. Reno’s Mayor Bob Cashell has said, "We wish to thank Management Development Services, Inc. for their investment in this tremendous infill project and their confidence in our revitalized downtown core." Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza noted, “These long vacant lots provide a significant opportunity to bring more quality housing in a neighborhood environment to the downtown.” Reno Redevelopment Agency Economic Development Manager James Graham observed, “This project going forward is great news! Not only does this project bring sixteen desirable residences to the downtown, the development also funds significant improvements in the surrounding streetscapes, extending the feel of recent downtown improvements to a new area, and upgrades to the neighborhood’s utilities.” Townhouses @ Holcomb Place is unique as the downtown’s only townhouse development. Based on an award-winning Southern California design, and targeted for selling prices in the high $400K’s, each two-story home in the gated community is designed with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a rooftop garden area and a private parking garage. Amenities in the 2050+ square foot eco-friendly townhomes include bamboo flooring, carpeted bedrooms, porcelain tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite slab kitchen counters and other luxury amenities incorporated into a modern floor plan with vaulted ceilings. The principals of Management Development Services, Inc. (MDS), the project’s developer, have confidence that downtown Reno is a desirable place to live. “All the parts are coming together to make the downtown a great place for young professionals and others to work and live”, says Bruce Szathmary, President of MDS. Chip Evans, Vice President of MDS, shares that, “For the aspiring downtown resident, these townhomes are particularly desirable because of having two private parking spaces and the minimization of expenses and issues common to condominium developments.” Partners in the development include Naisbitt Construction, Lumos and Associates and Architect Al Salzano. Affinity Bank of California is providing construction financing. Maggie Stockman of Ferrari-Lund Real Estate will market the properties. Reservations are being accepted now. Groundwork for the development has begun with occupancy scheduled by the end of the year. Plans include a five-unit second phase on adjacent property. Mr. Szathmary and Mr. Evans are supporters of the charitable work of the Reno area’s Evelyn Mount. MDS will make a contribution to her charity from the sale of each townhome. A Project Launch ceremony is scheduled at the Siena Hotel Spa Casino Thursday, February 21 at 10AM.

bigdave26 · February 26th, 2008, 07:24 AM

Hyatt just announced that they will build a Summerfield Suites downtown on the river across from the baseball stadium. It will contain no gambling.

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...m/breakingnews

Also, there was a big turnout for the baseball stadium groundbreaking. Here is a new rendering:

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...m/breakingnews

bigdave26 · February 28th, 2008, 11:29 PM

The Legends at Sparks Marina, which is a new mall in Sparks(a Reno suburb) just announced its new tenants.

Announced new tenants and new rendering (see below post); new tenants include Saks Off Fifth, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, AT&T, Banana Republic, Gap, Patsy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, Dickinson Theatres + IMAX, The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar, Strasburg Children, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Blowfish Sushi, Hofbräuhaus, Olive Garden, Best Buy, Deegie’s Carma, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Easy Spirit, Nine West and Mountain Family RV.

bigdave26 · March 12th, 2008, 03:01 AM

Here is a picture of the new planned non-casino hotel on the river, next to the baseball park:

Its current site is where that small hotel is:

bigdave26 · April 3rd, 2008, 01:17 AM

Here are some new renderings of the riverfront market, a fulltime market downtown:

bigdave26 · April 5th, 2008, 09:29 PM

Here is a map of the new baseball district:

RETROMANIA · April 6th, 2008, 09:24 PM

I'm glad ppl are taking at look at Reno Area

Maaskant · April 6th, 2008, 10:16 PM

Just arrived in Reno. Nice to see Reno developing in the right direction (overall that is) and Bigdave thanx for the updates!

bitoy · May 7th, 2008, 12:05 PM

I'll be in Reno this weekend. The last time I was there was in the 90s..

Thanks for some of the new developments posted here.

Maaskant · May 9th, 2008, 09:34 AM

I think the following link on Legends is new info and includes nwe renderings:

http://www.experiencelegends.com/

bigdave26 · May 29th, 2008, 03:27 PM

Well, both Grants Landing and Ponte Vecchio are up for sale. I guess they could both possibly happen, but it will definitely delay them:

Grant's Landing:

Ponte Vecchio:

bigdave26 · May 29th, 2008, 03:30 PM

Also, here is a LEED certified office building going in in southern downtown:

January 31st, 2008, 05:20 PM	#21
ScraperDude lagom Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Posts: 1,377 Likes (Received): 2	All I can say is thank god for burying the train tracks. When I visited Reno it was annoying to have to deal with a train in a downtown area. This is going to be AWESOME when they cover it... sorta like how the Wal-Greens capped the I-80. __________________ it's like.... a hot tranny mess up in here

February 4th, 2008, 05:06 AM	#23
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Here is a great article on the train trench cover, and other redevelopment in downtown as a result of acquiring 120 acres from the railroad. http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...802030358/1002 A greenbelt loop tying together the Truckee River, Idlewild Park and Reno's central gaming district is proposed by city consultants to provide a new identity for downtown Reno as well as serve as an anchor for building new residential neighborhoods. New neighborhoods along the proposed greenbelt on Third Street and the railroad trench, pockets of retail, a possible business park and narrow shop-lined streets and alleys in the heart of downtown are proposed as ways to transform downtown's "rough-looking" areas into a place where residents and visitors would want to congregate. The plans are contained in a $500,000 study by Freedman, Tung and Bottomley, an urban design firm in San Francisco that prepared the "blueprint" for downtown Reno in 1991 that still is in use. The design firm was asked to find ways to make the best use of more than 120 acres the city inherited along the tracks when the $282 million railroad trench was completed in 2005. And in so doing, the study lays out a scheme for revitalizing much of downtown -- a two-mile swath from Keystone to Sutro streets. Now in a public review stage, the study is expected to go to the Reno City Planning Commission and the City Council over the next two months. "It's an excellent road map to stitch together a new east-west corridor and stitch downtown back together," said Jim Hunting, president of the Downtown Improvement Association. Much of the land is dotted with rundown warehouses, old boarding houses, older homes or vacant lots, as well as a few well-kept businesses. "For years, the existence of the railroad created an environment for disinvestment," Hunting said. If the council accepts the new plan, Reno redevelopment director Mark Lewis believes some of the concepts, such as incorporating new design standards for development, could be put into practice quickly. But with none of the engineering work done, Lewis said he has no cost estimates for the public improvements. More detailed plans would follow. The consultants acknowledge the vision is a long-term plan. But the City Council recently revamped its downtown priorities and approved construction for a two-block plaza over the tracks in front of Fitzgeralds Casino-Hotel and the Montage condominiums, now under construction. The plaza would then connect with the proposed greenbelt on Third Street. To revitalize land along the trench, east of downtown, the consultants had an easy job. Construction is expected to start in late February on a new Triple-A baseball park and a new entertainment/shopping zone. The council approved redevelopment plans for the project in record time last fall. In laying out its plans for downtown, the Freedman group projects 2,742 residential units could be built, three-quarters of which would be built west of Virginia Street. In all, about 20 blocks are identified for potential mid-rise residential buildings. Of 1 million square feet of new commercial buildings, most of the new shops would be built in neighborhood or town centers on Fourth Street, according to the study. A new pedestrian bridge linking Idlewild Park to Fourth Street could serve as a draw in creating a new office park on West Fourth Street. The bridge would cross the Truckee River and the railroad tracks. The centerpiece of the plan is a proposed greenway along Third Street and the trench. With "spectacular" views of the mountains, the consultants say the greenway could become "the second-greatest view corridor after the Truckee River." Trees would be planted to create a canopy over Third Street. Wave-like artistic walls would bring in a river theme to dress up the trench, towers would be built at the street bridge crossings, and other touches would reflect the city's "trembling leaves" theme. With a new bridge at Idlewild Park and the Sutro underpass at the other end, the greenbelt would link to the Truckee River bikeway and create a 3.8-mile long walking and bike loop. "The loop would enhance livability for both downtown residents and visitors and tie together downtown entertainment and neighborhoods," the study said. "But more importantly, it would impart a new dimension of place and downtown Reno identity." Along Third Street, residential buildings would line the 9-block grand boulevard and side streets. With the trains running below ground, they are no longer a bother. Having the river within close walking distance is another draw. While calling it a great plan, Reno architect Jon Dewey said the 230-page study needs a companion volume on how to get the community involved in getting the job done. "I'm sure other communities tackled this same problem. We need to know how they do it," he said. Hunting agreed a playbook is needed. He also believes the Reno Redevelopment Agency should play a strong role overseeing the plan and working with property owners and developers to make it happen. If done all at once, Dewey said it would be the biggest project the city has ever attempted. But he said the city could create the partnerships needed to bring about the changes. He said there's more openness at City Hall than he's seen in the past 20 years. This would really densify downtown. Last edited by bigdave26; February 4th, 2008 at 03:53 PM.

February 28th, 2008, 11:29 PM	#31
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	The Legends at Sparks Marina, which is a new mall in Sparks(a Reno suburb) just announced its new tenants. Announced new tenants and new rendering (see below post); new tenants include Saks Off Fifth, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Ann Taylor, AT&T, Banana Republic, Gap, Patsy Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, Dickinson Theatres + IMAX, The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar, Strasburg Children, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Blowfish Sushi, Hofbräuhaus, Olive Garden, Best Buy, Deegie’s Carma, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Easy Spirit, Nine West and Mountain Family RV. Last edited by bigdave26; March 15th, 2008 at 07:03 PM.

March 12th, 2008, 03:01 AM	#32
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Here is a picture of the new planned non-casino hotel on the river, next to the baseball park: Its current site is where that small hotel is: Last edited by bigdave26; March 15th, 2008 at 07:01 PM.

April 6th, 2008, 09:24 PM	#35
RETROMANIA 13.03.09.Dulce.Tentación Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Guadalajara,Mex / Charlotte NC Posts: 610 Likes (Received): 0	I'm glad ppl are taking at look at Reno Area __________________ AMERICA is Not a Country, it's the Whole CONTINENT

February 1st, 2008, 04:19 AM	#22
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Yes the lowering the tracks is one of the major things that spurred downtown redevelopment. A lot of people were very against it, however, it has proven that it was huge for downtown.

February 4th, 2008, 06:46 AM	#24
mdiederi Artist Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Downtown Posts: 1,025 Likes (Received): 0	Wow, that would be really nice if they could pull it off.

February 15th, 2008, 02:08 AM	#25
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Supposedly the baseball stadium will break ground on February 25. This is a huge project:

February 17th, 2008, 01:36 PM	#26
Jim856796 The Q&A Guy Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Citizen of the World Posts: 6,743 Likes (Received): 7	Will the Grand Sierra Resort have any additional hotel towers built? The Grand Sierra has a lot of condo towers to be built.

February 18th, 2008, 08:18 AM	#27
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Currently at the Grand Sierra there is only 1 tower, and it is a hotel. They have a bunch of condos planned. I don't know if it will ever happen.

February 20th, 2008, 07:58 AM	#28
Ramope Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tuxtla Gtz, Chiapas Posts: 1,096 Likes (Received): 1	You live in a nice place, when I visited Reno I was a child... Today you have great projects (the pics looks great too) I want to visit Reno again.... Visit Chiapas, Mexico thread!

February 21st, 2008, 01:02 AM	#29
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	The Townhouses at Holcomb Place are breaking ground tomorrow. They are 16 attached homes right in the downtown core, about 2/3 blocks from the river. Downtown Townhome Development to Launch Construction to Begin on 16 Homes in Redevelopment Zone Reno, NV February 19, 2008 – Signaling continued faith in the resurgence of downtown Reno, a locally-owned development company is moving forward with construction of sixteen luxury townhomes on the block bounded by Holcomb, Pine, River Rock and State Streets. Townhouses @ Holcomb Place will be built on the edge of downtown near the Siena Casino/Hotel, and, along with planned developments nearby, will help transform the neighborhood. Reno’s Mayor Bob Cashell has said, "We wish to thank Management Development Services, Inc. for their investment in this tremendous infill project and their confidence in our revitalized downtown core." Councilwoman Jessica Sferrazza noted, “These long vacant lots provide a significant opportunity to bring more quality housing in a neighborhood environment to the downtown.” Reno Redevelopment Agency Economic Development Manager James Graham observed, “This project going forward is great news! Not only does this project bring sixteen desirable residences to the downtown, the development also funds significant improvements in the surrounding streetscapes, extending the feel of recent downtown improvements to a new area, and upgrades to the neighborhood’s utilities.” Townhouses @ Holcomb Place is unique as the downtown’s only townhouse development. Based on an award-winning Southern California design, and targeted for selling prices in the high $400K’s, each two-story home in the gated community is designed with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a rooftop garden area and a private parking garage. Amenities in the 2050+ square foot eco-friendly townhomes include bamboo flooring, carpeted bedrooms, porcelain tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite slab kitchen counters and other luxury amenities incorporated into a modern floor plan with vaulted ceilings. The principals of Management Development Services, Inc. (MDS), the project’s developer, have confidence that downtown Reno is a desirable place to live. “All the parts are coming together to make the downtown a great place for young professionals and others to work and live”, says Bruce Szathmary, President of MDS. Chip Evans, Vice President of MDS, shares that, “For the aspiring downtown resident, these townhomes are particularly desirable because of having two private parking spaces and the minimization of expenses and issues common to condominium developments.” Partners in the development include Naisbitt Construction, Lumos and Associates and Architect Al Salzano. Affinity Bank of California is providing construction financing. Maggie Stockman of Ferrari-Lund Real Estate will market the properties. Reservations are being accepted now. Groundwork for the development has begun with occupancy scheduled by the end of the year. Plans include a five-unit second phase on adjacent property. Mr. Szathmary and Mr. Evans are supporters of the charitable work of the Reno area’s Evelyn Mount. MDS will make a contribution to her charity from the sale of each townhome. A Project Launch ceremony is scheduled at the Siena Hotel Spa Casino Thursday, February 21 at 10AM.

February 26th, 2008, 07:24 AM	#30
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Hyatt just announced that they will build a Summerfield Suites downtown on the river across from the baseball stadium. It will contain no gambling. http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...m/breakingnews Also, there was a big turnout for the baseball stadium groundbreaking. Here is a new rendering: http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar...m/breakingnews

April 3rd, 2008, 01:17 AM	#33
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Here are some new renderings of the riverfront market, a fulltime market downtown:

April 5th, 2008, 09:29 PM	#34
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Here is a map of the new baseball district:

April 6th, 2008, 10:16 PM	#36
Maaskant Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 209 Likes (Received): 5	Just arrived in Reno. Nice to see Reno developing in the right direction (overall that is) and Bigdave thanx for the updates!

May 7th, 2008, 12:05 PM	#37
bitoy Ang tunay na BITOY Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,232 Likes (Received): 50	I'll be in Reno this weekend. The last time I was there was in the 90s.. Thanks for some of the new developments posted here.

May 9th, 2008, 09:34 AM	#38
Maaskant Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 209 Likes (Received): 5	Update on Legends I think the following link on Legends is new info and includes nwe renderings: http://www.experiencelegends.com/

May 29th, 2008, 03:27 PM	#39
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Well, both Grants Landing and Ponte Vecchio are up for sale. I guess they could both possibly happen, but it will definitely delay them: Grant's Landing: Ponte Vecchio:

May 29th, 2008, 03:30 PM	#40
bigdave26 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 Likes (Received): 0	Also, here is a LEED certified office building going in in southern downtown:

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