Upcoming Unique Events in the Biggest Little City

Thinking outside the box a bit, the Biggest Little City has some unique events coming up that you don't want to miss, starting with this tomorrow. I certainly won't be missing these!

News Bites: Your Dose of Awesomeness for Reno

Reno a finalist for Tesla Motor's proposed giga-factory which would employ over 6,000 peeps and comprise 10+ million square feet. A big factory!

Apple pulls permits for massive expansion of their server farm east of Reno. No word yet on the downtown component of the project.

Powning District is highlighted by Channel 4 news, and talks about the new businesses opening there.

Two new restaurants join the incredible new IMAX theater that opened at Legends.

Double Edge Fitness in Midtown featured on Channel 2 News.

CoffeeBar gets props in Reno News and Review this week. Have you been yet? Their food is as amazing as the coffee. A respectable replacement for Bibo for sure.

Restoring Downtown: The Hudson Project

I've been writing this blog for close to 9 years now. During that time, we've seen projects of all sizes sweep through downtown and midtown. The project graveyard includes Arterra, Wingfield Towers, Waterfront Towers, various forms of the Kings Inn being redeveloped, and many more that didn't make it. The ones that did make it, though perhaps premature, undeniably transformed downtown. Having the Sundowner, Golden Phoenix, and Comstock converted to condos in conjunction with the Palladio, provided just enough new living spaces to initiate a gradual increase in residents from 2007 through today.

At the same point in time, striking changes were occurring in the Wells Avenue Conservation District and Midtown, on a more organic level, stabilizing a neighborhood once though of as undesirable. Marmot Properties amassed dozens of properties in the neighborhood, spending millions acquiring and renovating the properties then renting them out fairly quickly. I've covered many of their renovations and you can check out some before-and-afters on their project page. Between downtown and the Wells Avenue Conservation District, however, was a neighborhood not seeing a lot of movement or development, with many properties such as the ones owned by Ryder Homes stuck in limbo. That's is all changing, however, with the Hudson Project....

In The News: Morris Burner Hotel

Have you seen the incredible rooms being assembled/painted at the Morris Hotel downtown? Check them out in this great Sagebrush article. This eclectic hotel with a lot of heart and soul could end up being one of the most unique places to stay in the West!

Reno Rebirth: Could Siegel Group Transform Downtown?

Check out this must-read column on RGJ's Reno Rebirth blog from good friend Abbi Holcomb Whitaker about Siegel Group's Stephen Siegel. As you may know from my own posts, Siegel Group recently acquired the Virginian Hotel Casino, and the Truckee River Lane Building, and has owned the Senator Hotel on 2nd and West Streets for a while now.

The company has an opportunitiy to seriously transform downtown when/if they invest in these properties. It's known they have serious renovation plans for the Truckee River Lane Building and Virginian, so I'm excited to see what this company produces!

Beaujolais Bistro Opens - Sneak Peek!

Beaujolais Bistro, located at 735 Riverside Drive, had their grand opening for friends and family last night, and I stopped by to say hi and support my pal James, front-of-house manager. Check out the photos!

Themed Lectures at Daughters Cafe

Did you know Daughters Cafe downtown has amazing themed lecture dinners? The first this month is Friday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. "Shackleton," a story of courage and leadership will be shared as Daughters Cafe serves a typical English farewell dinner. Reservations required. Email barb@daughterscafe or leave a message at 324-3447

Ampersand Grand Opening Party

Ampersand's grand opening party begins Thursday Jan 16. It's located in the newly remodeled space where Whiskey formerly was located. 100 North Arlington in Arlington Towers. Click the title for the flyer and more info!

Siri's Casino Posts Renderings

Siri's Casino has released some initial renderings of what the renovated casino, formerly Golden Phoenix, might look like.

Say Goodbye to the F shadows

Whitney Peak Hotel tower paint job continues. Here it is, the moment the old F shadow marks from Fitzgerald Casinos' old green neon signs are painted over for the first time since Fitzgerald's closed years ago.

Santa Crawl is here!

Often imitated, never replicated, it's time for Reno's infmaous Santa Crawl!

Great Basin Food CoOp Holiday Faire

Great Basin Food Co-Op will be having a holiday arts, craft and food faire this weekend Saturday the 14th from 2 to 6 pm at 240 Court Street.