Comments:
Post your comments
Posted by: Tim - 11/27/2007 9:21:35 PM
That's awesome and definitely needs to be built! I drove through downtown a few days ago on my way home from Thanksgiving for the first time in maybe 6 or 7 years. A lot has changed and things are looking nice! One thing I did notice was the huge dead area of the trench, this would be a great space for downtown!
Posted by: Crystal - 11/27/2007 10:15:53 PM
I like it. It's pedestrian oriented and will work perfectly with events in the summer.
Posted by: Rick S - 11/27/2007 10:30:28 PM
Reno is quickly becoming Jack Hawkinsville, but that is not a bad thing. I have not seen a Hawkins project yet that I did not like. This project is perfect for downtowns core. To FL, I admire your resolve to get downtown residents involved. Hard to believe RGJ didnt mention a whisper about Leals presentation in their coverage of the city council meeting tomorrow.
Posted by: Laura - 11/27/2007 11:39:25 PM
Primo. Bravo on the plans. Sierra St is a major drag on the pedestrian flow between the two blocks. In a bizarre irony, Sierra St becomes just as much of a block to pedestrians in this layout as the original train tracks were to car traffic when they were above ground. This could be solved by building a pedestrian bridge over Sierra St, connecting the two plazas. Expensive yes but worth it. Maybe a pedestrian signal crosswalk. You would find me stopping by these stores when I go downtown.
Posted by: Biased Observer - 11/28/2007 1:02:11 AM
The design looks great.
Posted by: Philip DeManczuk - 11/28/2007 6:15:01 AM
This project is a must and probaly long over due. It makes economic and aesthetic use of what is vitually a non productive hole.
Posted by: Justin - 11/28/2007 7:30:05 AM
That looks great!!! It's similar to the initial proposal, but with more interest and "sense of space". I applaud Fernando Leal and Jack Hawkins for their efforts and can only hope this gets built to it's full potential. This city could use more men like Mr. Leal IMO. Some people may call him a risk taker or a dreamer, but I prefer to think of him as more of a visionary. He's had a very clear vision for the future of downtown, at least near the train tracks, and I wish him all the best with his future endeavors (e.g. The Fitz). I especially love the varied elevations which add quite a bit of interest. I know the city council has a lot on their plate, but if they truly hope to get more people downtown, projects like this MUST move forward.
Posted by: Tony Picotto - 11/28/2007 7:42:30 AM
This project is more important than the ice rink cover and retail or changing the post office around. The Post Office river plaza would be cool, but dump the idea of using it as retail and dump the retail building idea at First St. Plaza and use the money to fund the trench covers. This project will profoundly change downtown more than retail inside a post office.
Posted by: Downtown Supporter - 11/28/2007 7:47:15 AM
Another positive component to the renewal and maturation of Downtown Reno. A viable asset for residence and tourist alike.
Posted by: Grant - 11/28/2007 7:47:21 AM
The design is fantastic! Fernando and his team are doing a great job, a job that no one else has done in decades. This project will make Downtown more inviting. Although you dont have to stop for the trains Downtown any longer, you still have to look at them. This would be a huge benefit to Downtown. Thanks Fernando!
Posted by: SacBill - 11/28/2007 7:53:01 AM
The scope of the trench covers really fits downtown. This is the kind of area my wife would hang out at while I attend a conference. She loves to shop. Shop shop shop. This 2-block stretch will also serve as a nice diversion and crowd dispersement with some of Reno's larger events where Virginia Street gets a tad bit clogged.
Posted by: A.R. - 11/28/2007 7:58:58 AM
None of the downtown redevelopment happening now would be underway without the ReTRAC project serving as catalyst. Now it's time to take it to the next step, and this plan is obviously designed to do just that. Mr. Leal has truly embraced downtown Reno more than anyone else. I hope the City Council embraces his idea for the trench cover with as much enthusiasm as he has put into his projects. Well done, sir.
Posted by: Devin Sommerton - 11/28/2007 8:03:58 AM
I agree with Tony. If there is a funding gap or problem with this project, lose the rink cover and post office retail idea. I'm just not picturing retail inside the post office.
Posted by: Mary L - 11/28/2007 8:11:40 AM
Now I see why he backed out of the 10 North Virginia bid process. Smart move! Didn't Fernando Leal buy the Fitzgeralds too? Both the Fitzgeralds and the Montage project would serve as feeder markets to the retail on the trench cover. My only concern would be if these retail buildings are left vacant for any amount of time after construction, vandalism and graffitti would not be too far behind. I would like to see a push made to start signing retail on even as construction is happening.
Posted by: RJ - 11/28/2007 8:30:12 AM
Keep downtown moving in the right direction. Covering the trench with viable space to help beautify and make downtown more attractive. Make it a place where people live, work and shop; a place where we can take our family; and where we can shop and dine.
Posted by: Steve - 11/28/2007 8:57:25 AM
Wow! I am impressed. The model looks great and I truly think that this is just one more thing that could make downtown Reno a better place to dwell.
Posted by: JP - 11/28/2007 9:03:51 AM
The final part of ReTrac is comming to fruition. Reno desperatley needs a viable retail center in the downtown core.
Posted by: luther-chicago - 11/28/2007 9:19:27 AM
as a friend and a visitor to reno, the vision and strenght and passion that it takes to make a difference is one thing but to want to make a ongoing day to day difference for the lives of people around you is another. The retract idea is a no brainer for the RESIDENTIAL and the COMERCIAL value of growth.
Posted by: Brian - 11/28/2007 9:41:16 AM
I agree with most of the comments posted, and think that the progressive vision and public-private partnership is vital to downtown's success. The City should be asking "OK, how do we get this done ASAP?" I think the potential for great retail is imminent and this stretch will be a natural once Mr. Simon gets the ball rolling with the retailers he puts into his baseball stadium project. Positve attitude coupled with Action - good work Mr. Leal.
Posted by: Brian - 11/28/2007 9:41:24 AM
The Train tench cover design by Leal and co is by far the best plan I have seen.
What strikes me about this project is how it takes reno away from the kitsch that it is known for, and brings us a more serious and mature downtown core. I like the many nods in the design that hint towards the reno arch. Almost a 21 gun salute.
It may also be prudent to think of a NEW Reno arch to tie into this development. The Arch has never been something permanent in its aesthetics, it has changed over the years.
Bravo to you L3 team. Thank you for commitment to improving our downtown, and faith for its future.
Posted by: John Andrews - 11/28/2007 9:54:22 AM
This looks phenomenal! I am a little worried at how much new retail space is planned for downtown these days, as there are already many empty spaces, but I'm hopeful. This is exactly the kind of pedestrian-oriented, urban space projects Reno should be investing in.
Posted by: Manny - 11/28/2007 10:00:07 AM
Why isn't the news stations or Reno Gazette Journal covering this? All I hear about with today's meeting is some truck stop and the Moana pool.
Posted by: JT - 11/28/2007 10:01:57 AM
I think this project is great and will significantly help the revitalization of downtown.
Posted by: Manny - 11/28/2007 10:02:53 AM
Oh and also I really like this project. I cant wait to see what colors/textures are used in the project. The wood model gives an idea of shape, but it would be great to know what colors and textures. For example, will it be ultra-Hawkins, ala LouLous and Stremmel Gallery? Will there be brick work at all on the buildings and what color will they be?
Posted by: Mike M - 11/28/2007 10:16:13 AM
I am an architect, and not easily taken in by eyewash. This is a GREAT plan. The sense of scale is right-on for the site. Making a feature out of the exhaust stacks is an inspired move.
Fernando, you have my personal thanks for your commitment to the quality of life and quality of design in the downtown core.
Posted by: ken - 11/28/2007 10:27:21 AM
Build it! Looks great
Posted by: John Q - 11/28/2007 10:35:35 AM
I hope the city has the insight here to let the developers develop and help them to do so. These are increasingly difficult days, but Reno deserves a downtown to be proud of.
Posted by: TJ Sheldon - 11/28/2007 10:38:39 AM
I think that the downtown area is long overdue for a facelift and an over all renovation, I believe this project will not only accent the beautiful surroundings Reno has to offer but it will bring people into the heart of the town as well. I would hope this project is okay'd for the aesthetic value to our area if not the potential revenue that these 10-12 projected stores could bring in.
Posted by: Michelle - 11/28/2007 10:49:31 AM
Really well done.
Posted by: wendy - 11/28/2007 10:52:32 AM
I think it is great too, but I was wondering if there was any way to include a bike path. Obviously it would need to be outside of the pedestrian walk way, by the street? I commute on my bike and it is difficult to get across town. A designated bike path might keep people from riding down the middle of the pedestrian walk way.
Posted by: don clark - 11/28/2007 10:57:46 AM
this is absolutely what we need to do. the vision of downtown is finally coming together and this is as critical of a piece as the ballpark and the kayak park. the project will be a huge kick in the life of being downtown. our offices have been down here for about four months now and our entire staff walk to the local businesses. the continued growth of the retail connections bring both economics and security. it's also a great continuation of public/private partnership.
Posted by: Bugsy - 11/28/2007 11:07:58 AM
Very Nice..Im excited about this as much as the Baseball Stadium. I also agree with the comments about choosing this project as a priortity over the canopy for the ice rink and the post office development. Mr. Leal, thank you for having great vision for this up and coming city that I have invested in. I cant wait to see Mr Leals plan for the fitzgeralds.
Posted by: Matthew A. - 11/28/2007 11:09:40 AM
I love it!!! Can't wait for construction to start.
Posted by: Angela - 11/28/2007 11:36:23 AM
What a fabulous idea. This will give us all a new reason to go downtown again.
Posted by: EyesWideOpen - 11/28/2007 12:30:10 PM
3 cheers for Mr. Leal! I love this design. It's fantastic. It's exactly what downtown needs. I just hope the city council isn't short-sighted by special interests. They have a great opportunity here, let's pray they don't blow it.
Posted by: April - 11/28/2007 12:45:00 PM
Amazing! The downtown Makeover is the Best thing that has happen here in a long time. Great ideas!
Posted by: April C. - 11/28/2007 1:16:00 PM
As a native of this town, I have watched downtown go through its ups and downs. This is a crucial project not only for downtown but for the city as a whole. All of that space is not being utilized now, and this will give residents and tourists a destination to be entertained, involved and fulfilled! This must happen!
Posted by: Mike - 11/28/2007 2:09:18 PM
Great design overall, and definitely echo the enthusiasm for injecting some attention to urban detail in our downtown core. Catering to pedestrians is catering to the long-term health of our downtown.
The lights, though . . . the current large "stack" lights are initially attractive, but ultimately dated. While "current," they smack a bit of the 70s era look that is now so painfully and unattractively faddish. If the city's going to invest time and money in project like this, let's do it right and go for more timeless designs.
Posted by: MattLO - 11/28/2007 4:22:52 PM
BUILD THIS PROJECT, it will SO help improove the downtown neighborhood.
Posted by: Miss Reno - 11/28/2007 4:57:53 PM
This project is a great idea and will continue to encourage businesses to return to the downtown core. Thanks for making Reno a place we can be proud of!
Posted by: Tom and Jana - 11/29/2007 10:06:55 PM
Nicely scaled and appropriate design considering the difficult constraints. Bike lanes and vines on the trellises would enhance the project. Perhaps boulders for seating to soften the lines and reduce the amount of concrete. Incorporation of "green" building materials and solar power would be wonderful for our future generations.
Posted by: Mike Oh - 12/3/2007 3:13:17 PM
This is going to be awesome. Great choice in getting Jack Hawkins to do the design. I love everything that comes out of that architecture firm and they will definitely add a strong style to what eventually looks to become a cool, quirky, much needed downtown district.
Posted by: Joe - 9/26/2008 11:05:53 PM
Absolutely awesome. Let's not waste any time in getting it done.