A crucial void downtown is about to be filled with three new businesses and three restorations of old homes.

I'm referring to the area between Flint and Arlington Avenue, anchored by Court Street on the north, next to the beautiful Lake Mansion.

Let's take a look at who's moving in!

Reno Fly Shop

The Reno Fly Shop is making a much-desired return to Reno, setting up shop downtown near the Truckee River. Avid fisherman and whitewater-park-creator Jim Litchfield is at the helm, so you can be sure this will be one serious fishing supply store. It will be a place where you can gain expertise on the sport of fly fishing, and also fish on a prime fly fishing river right next door! It's not uncommon to find fishermen dotting the river from Brodhead Park just south of downtown all the way to Fisherman's Park by Galletti Way. The front of the store will be accessible from Arlington Avenue as well.

Lux Salon

The second business moving in is California Avenue staple Lux Salon, whose clientele is growing so fast it's time to expand to a new location. They'll be moving from California Avenue over to 231 Flint Street, and occupy a building that was formerly a residence. The restored two-story building is the perfect venue for the salon's current selection of haircuts, color, styling, make-up and nail art. The entire downstairs will be devoted to the salon’s new BB Bar. From expert blow outs and stylish braids to "hot shots," a line of conditioning treatments and hair masks whipped up daily from fresh, all natural ingredients, the BB Bar will be the first of its kind in downtown Reno. Speaking of expanding, The duo is on the hunt for qualified "BB Bar artists," - hair stylists with at least two years of salon experience who will undergo rigorous training for the position. The BB Bar will feature make-up stations as well, with nail stations also offered at the salon, so make-up and nail artists with portfolios, resumes and at least two years of professional experience are encouraged to apply.

Pignic Pub and Patio

In Googling the street address of this property, I found a public corporate registration under the name Pignic Pub and Patio, formed by downtown entrprenuers Trevor Leppek and Ryan "pie Face" Goldhammer, who also own Noble Pie Parlor and Ampersand (formerly Whiskey in Arlington Towers.) Those two have been busy bees! It looks like this will fill the void created when super-popular Strega closed. Stay tuned for more information on this amazing project.

All three of these businesses will be great additions to the neighborhood.