News 11-15-08 Other renderings
Post your commentsPosted by: Reno Native - 11/16/2008 11:47:47 AM
Maybe it's just me, and I'm running the risk of being categorized as another C.A.V.E. dweller - but can't we please get away from the "old west" flavor of architecture? Reno has enough image problems in the nation (thanks Reno 911!)...we need to update our "look". To me, this is more strip-mall styled architecture that doesn't really excite me to visit downtown Reno - or another mall. Although, it certainly is better than what's downtown now!
Posted by: MikeO - 11/19/2008 4:36:42 PM
I agree. The first thing I thought of when I saw the redesign proposal was "strip mall." That's Reno's biggest problem (architecturally speaking) - it's always playing it too safe.
Posted by: joe - 11/20/2008 10:00:57 AM
This does look like a strip mall. I agree with some others that Reno always played it safe and boring. Visualy speaking the Silver Legacy is the least boring of all the downtown properties but the first design I saw of this project was very very cool. They scaled it back and although its nice it doesnt really have anything worth passing up an Indian Casino for. IMO, that is one of the reason Reno fell so hard to Indian gaming. There was just no "got to see" property. I really strongly suggest the city/country not approve any new tourism related development unless it has some sort of "wow" factor. No more concrete block building, no more stip mall retail development. I in no way want Reno to become Vegas, but I think its very important for Reno to build with a "Wow" factor.
Posted by: wiley_n_reno - 11/21/2008 1:51:37 PM
I don't care if they cover those ugly facades with brown paper, do something about them! And RGJ says the baseball park construction is a little ahead of schedule. Good!!
Posted by: DowntownMakeoverDude - 11/21/2008 2:22:26 PM
I think it's important to note this project only has a budget of $500,000 via community grant (I think). Also, it was mentioned in a CAC meeting by Gillian that in some cases it was very difficult to get the building owners to change much. Don't forget, this isn't something that can be forced, the owners have to agree to it. It would have cost nearly the entire project's budget to remove the paint from just one building and restore it to its original nature. I'm with Wiley, in this economy I'll take what I can get.
Posted by: Bugsy - 11/23/2008 11:37:32 AM
If there are no new news in the last week, how about some pictures?
Posted by: MikeO - 11/24/2008 11:13:11 AM
If they can't afford the proper renovation right now, then hold on to the money and wait until they can. There's no sense in half-assing something just because you can. I honestly don't see this current facade improvement proposal bringing many people in. It's stuff like the West Street Market and Trench Cover that will attract people. I love the idea of a facade renovation but I think the city should get some more architects' proposals. This current sketch is just too blah for me. But yes, I do agree that it is definitely an improvement nonetheless...
Posted by: Wanda Y - 11/25/2008 5:56:42 PM
I am a California transplant to Reno. I am really impressed with all the beautification, etc of downtown. However, lately it is not pleasant to walk down Virginia St. . Seems like more and more homeless people and pan handlers are all over downtown. Sometimes it makes you not want to go down there. They are sitting around the railroad overpass like roaches. Seems to me like the police cleared them away a while back, but they are back in full force. Other than that, downtown is looking up.