For anyone who grew up in the area, or is even just a history buff, you likely know about Bowers Mansion.
It's over 150 years old and has a very interesting history, and is located in Washoe Valley off old US-395. Even though for the most part it looks as it did when constructed, time has taken a bit of toll on the actual building.
"We actually had some water damage over the last couple of years from our significant winters, and it's just kinda bumped us into having to do some repairs and really to be able to make sure that the mansion stays in excellent condition for future generations," said Colleen Wallace Barnum, Park Operations Superintendent for Washoe County.
A lot of the work will be on the outside of the structure, including shoring off chimneys, weatherproofing rooftops and walkways, as well as repairing cracks on the outside walls. Some of the damage did get inside though, so workers will have to adhere to historic preservation guidelines when doing any repairs. And that's why the Washoe County Commissioners approved over $510,000 to the restoration. The project is also getting help from a couple who had a soft spot for the mansion.
"They got married in Reno many years ago, I think in the 1960's, and they were on their honeymoon and came to Bowers Mansion and they loved it so much that they actually named Bowers Mansion in their wills," said Barnum.
Many residents we spoke with remember fondly visiting the mansion as children, and want to see the site kept up.
“It was a great place to go, it's been about 20 years since I've been there, but I'm sure it needs renovation so that would be just super,” said Dayton resident Lois Miller.
"I've visited it a few times since I've been back and I love it, I love going out there. The park is great and the whole area is great, I think we need to keep it," said Carson City resident David Poteet.
In fact, even the family that built the mansion themselves, and created the traditions of picnics on the grounds will be able to see the renovations.
"All of the Bowers family, all of their remains were brought back to the property and there's actually a grave site on the hillside over there with them still here so they get to oversee the mansion as it is today," said Barnum.
"It really is historical, and we need to keep those historical things, they go away so fast," said Miller.
Now the construction is expected to start soon, and is slated to take no more than four months, around the end of May. Officials say they still plan to open tours starting in early May.
For more information about Bowers Mansion, or to plan a tour, you can click here.
