Key Takeaways
- Jacobs Entertainment will file for a permit to demolish the old Bonanza Inn in downtown Reno
- The demolition will make way for the construction of youth athletic fields as part of the "Reno Neon Line District" project
- The fields will accommodate 7×7 and 9×9 soccer games, as well as youth lacrosse
- The project aims to capture revenue from the multi-billion-dollar travel youth sports industry
- The timeline for future construction is still to be determined
Introduction to the Project
Jacobs Entertainment has recently confirmed that it will be filing for a permit to demolish the old Bonanza Inn, located on Fourth Street in downtown Reno. This decision comes after a thorough analysis of the costs associated with renovating the Inn, which was deemed not to be a viable option due to rising construction costs. The demolition of the Bonanza Inn will pave the way for a new project, which aims to bring youth athletic fields to the heart of downtown Reno. The project is part of Jacobs’ larger "Reno Neon Line District" initiative, which seeks to transform the area into a vibrant and dynamic destination.
The Reno Neon Line District Project
The "Reno Neon Line District" project is an ambitious undertaking that aims to revitalize the downtown area and make it more attractive to visitors and locals alike. The project involves the construction of four youth athletic fields, which will be the first of their kind in the district. The fields will be designed to accommodate various sports, including 7×7 and 9×9 soccer games, as well as youth lacrosse. According to Jonathan Boulware, vice president of Nevada operations for Jacobs Entertainment, the new fields will "help continue to transform downtown Reno" and bring much-needed youth sports facilities to the area. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, with the potential to attract thousands of visitors and generate substantial revenue.
The Decision to Demolish the Bonanza Inn
The decision to demolish the Bonanza Inn was not taken lightly, but was ultimately deemed necessary due to the high costs associated with renovating the property. Jacobs Entertainment conducted a thorough analysis of the costs involved and determined that renovation was not a viable option. The rising construction costs made it clear that demolition and new construction would be the more cost-effective and practical solution. By demolishing the Bonanza Inn, Jacobs Entertainment will be able to create a larger scope of construction, allowing for the creation of the youth athletic fields and other amenities that will be part of the "Reno Neon Line District" project.
The Economic Benefits of the Project
The construction of the youth athletic fields is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. According to Boulware, the travel youth sports industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with the average youth sports family spending nearly $1,500 per year on hotels and tournaments. By providing high-quality athletic facilities in downtown Reno, Jacobs Entertainment hopes to capture some of this revenue and bring new business to the area. The project is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including athletes, coaches, and families, who will be drawn to the area by the new facilities. This influx of visitors will have a positive impact on local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Conclusion and Future Plans
While the timeline for future construction is still to be determined, Jacobs Entertainment is excited to move forward with the project and bring the "Reno Neon Line District" to life. The demolition of the Bonanza Inn is the first step in this process, and will pave the way for the construction of the youth athletic fields and other amenities. With its commitment to revitalizing downtown Reno and bringing new business to the area, Jacobs Entertainment is confident that the "Reno Neon Line District" project will be a success and have a lasting impact on the local community. As the project moves forward, residents and visitors can expect to see significant changes to the downtown area, with the creation of new amenities and attractions that will make Reno an even more vibrant and dynamic destination.
