The nonprofit MidTown Reno dedicated fourteen new historic plaques placed on businesses throughout the district.
The project was funded by the City of Reno and the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County.
The dedication ceremony was held on Thursday in front of Stella Coffee Co. as a part of MidTown's First Thursday events.
"We're thrilled to encourage everyone to discover the new historic plaques in MidTown and take part in the exciting First Thursday specials happening all around the district," said Jaime Chapman, executive director of MidTown Reno. "It's a fantastic opportunity to explore, learn, and enjoy everything MidTown has to offer!"
Installation of the fourteen plaques is one of the final components of RTC Washoe’s Virginia Street Bus RAPID Transit Extension Project.
Back in 2019 the City of Reno offered MidTown Reno a total of $300,000 to help enhance the pedestrian experience in the district.
But in regards to getting a plaque on the side of your business wall in MidTown, there's a lot that goes into the decision making process.
“We kind of came up with a wish list of properties in the Midtown District," said Alicia Barber PhD, a Historian, adding that the properties they were looking for "were at least 50 years old and had a story that we could research, and it was something we found engaging that we could tell in a distinct way, and we needed to get the property owners permission to install the plaques on their building.”
Barber says these plaques help tell the story of the MidTown district.
“In order to really help engage residents and tourists with these buildings, help them linger outside the building, maybe intrigue them to go inside and just provide more interest in the area,” said Barber.
“I am really excited to introduce these plaques because I think there’s really nothing like telling the story right in front of you to be able to connect you to a place," she added. "You can just read it when you’re walking through the neighborhood. You can learn that this was a family business and it started in 1947, or this was a house in 1909. I think plaques are a way that makes everything public and we help to generate a sense of community around those stories.”
"We are surrounded by so much history in the MidTown District, from Mt. Rose Street to California Avenue," said Reno Ward Three Councilmember Miguel Martinez. "These 14 plaques will last for generations, ensuring the lesser known stories of these historic places are told. We are proud to help make this project happen."
If you would like to check out the plaques yourself you can find the map by clicking here.
