Demolition and construction at the old Silver Club Hotel and the Bourbon Square Casino started Monday. The developers LandCap Investment Partners and GreenStreet Project are putting in urban style lofts and a retail space to bring new life to the area.Â
Some new shopping, dining, and housing developments are coming to Victorian Square in Sparks.Â
"Why not make this a really cool place to live for apartments. We see the vision, it's going to bring vibrancy down here that doesn't exist," said Dane Hillyard, the GreenStreet Project Developer. "We'll have people here all the time. And with the retail building and place changing into The Yard, there will be a lot of activity, something will change dramatically when these two buildings open up."
The Silver Club Hotel, a six story building, is being converted into 100 urban style apartments called the "C" street lofts. The entire building is being renovated with modern, contemporary styled updates.
"The housing is awesome. Depending on the rent, we've been looking for a place," said Shannel Farpella, a Reno resident. Â
The Yard will be replacing Bourbon Square. The inside of the casino is being demolished and replaced with a mix of restaurants, retail, and indoor,outdoor patio dining. The upper two floors will be reserved for office space. Some residents we talked to say they want to see something added for the younger crowds.Â
"We bring our kids down here and have fun, but something for the kids would be great," said Michael Aimes, a Reno resident.Â
The Sparks City Council says with the changes made by the developer, it will enhance Victorian Square.Â
"They saw this is a vibrant little place that can have it's own little cluster of businesses and people living here that will be vibrant and looking to the future," said Ed Lawson, a Sparks City Councilmember with Ward 2. Â
The developer says they are considering big name brands for retail and commercial space, but they want to attract more local businesses first.
