Today I met up with Horseshoe Building owner Jamy Keshmiri for a brief tour and update of the project plans underway at the site right in the heart of Downtown Reno. The building, vacant for over two decades, will see new life hopefully this Summer as Keshmiri finalizes the building permits with the city needed for construction. The new tenant of the building will be called “Masque” a New Orleans style lounge/bar and eatery with plans for a balcony deck over Virginia Street.
This new venue will add to the nightlife scene of Virginia Street and offer something new and different at the same time. The Horseshoe Building dates back to the mid 1950’s, it was once owned by former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell. It’s 25,000 sq ft spread across three floors, a basement (see pics) once housed the gaming vault, employee areas and accounting offices. The 1st floor consisted of gaming while the 2nd floor was later converted to a Sizzler Restaurant in the early 1990’s, once they vacated Cashell turned the space into a country saloon called “Boots” (see photo) after the casino closed down the 1st floor became a pawn shop that operated until Keshmiri bought the building in late 2015. The 2nd floor space is an open floor plan with hardwood floors, intact bar and restroom facilities. The new venue Masque will be located on this floor and will offer updated decor, modern amenities, but preserve the original bar’s location and restore some of the hardwood flooring.
The entrance to the new venue will be right on Virginia Street, guests will enter through a corridor and be met by a host who will direct them upstairs to the venue. The exterior facade will be refurbished, the Horseshoe letters taken down but the actual signage structure will likely remain. New lighting and “New Orleans” style decor will be added.
Keshmiri hopes to the have the venue up and running sometime this year, he has been working on this project for close to two years.
Giggle! I do so believe in anything a Keshmiri has to say. How's that Ponderosa Hotel upgrade treating you? Make a difference to them - boycott their other cash cow Ben's.