Renovations at the former Crest Inn on West Fourth Street are underway to turn into completely remodeled units with urban style living flats. It's all part of Jacobs Entertainment's plans to turn west downtown Reno into the 'Fountain District.'
The development is called the "Renova Flats." The 46 units will be completely remodeled. The building itself will be preserved as it is, meaning the units will remain solely rooms with a bathroom, but a community kitchen will be added.
When finished, the units will go for market rate value, which Jonathan Boulware, Nevada Regional Vice President for Jacobs' Entertainment, says they're still assessing. Boulware says, since the style will be the first-of-its-kind in Reno that they know of, "We're looking at similar developments like this in similar markets on what is fair to charge."
Officials were also sure to address any criticism concerning affordable housing, saying the Crest Inn wasn't that to begin with. Mayor Hillary Schieve says, "They were charging anywhere from $800 to $1,500."
Several units will be set aside for affordable senior housing. Jacobs Entertainment helped the former Crest Inn residents find better housing.
Their plan to transform all of west downtown Reno is still in the works, but they say they're being careful to release details until it's finalized.
Once they're done remodeling the 46 units, they'll add about ten more larger units at the former mini mart right next door.
The expected finish date is spring of 2019.
