Thank you Alicia for sharing this and shedding light on this proposed project. Historic character is so incredibly important, especially in a city that has already lost so much of it's older neighborhoods to blight and large scale development.
I generally agree with your thoughtful input but I think it should be pointed out that these same developers helped curate the current riverfront environment we all enjoy today; the Hub development created a welcoming environment that has become an important part of Reno culture. As evidenced by their other projects in town, Reno Lion is always thoughtful and measured in their approach to sustaining and encouraging Reno culture. Though I’m sure it was unintentional, your omission that the developer created the Hub development in your piece conveys a lack of transparency
Investing oneself emotionally to a parking lot and seldom used , redundant roadway as if their absence will create an irreplaceable void is confusing. Manufacturing a scenario whereby an atmosphere you enjoy will be forever tarnished if there is a 5 story building but somehow less affected by a 2 or 3 story building is an exercise of a pessimistic creativity but nothing more. The “tall building will blot out the sun” is a tired and trite argument that has been erroneously argued since Burnham and Root started developing the first “sky-scrapers” in Chicago over 120 years ago.
If the argument is that allowing such a development is about setting a dangerous precedent Ms. Barber and Ms. Brekhus have litigated against themselves; outlining in there respective posts that the code has since been altered to disallow any projects with similar ambitions; therefore this project is unique in that it’s size and scope is not reproducible secondary to new changes in the municipal and neighborhood code and guidelines.
The outrage to this project is NIMBY-ism at its core, which in itself is a reflection of a reluctance towards inclusion and an unfortunate pessimistic worldview towards change. From reading Ms. Barbers other posts I glean that this is not her world view which leaves me puzzled about her opposition. If the developer was tearing down historical buildings I’d understand, but let me reiterate; this is not the Mapes, this is a parking lot and unnecessary ~100ft roadway.
Finally, I’d like to state I am not a developer or in real estate and have no financial stake in the development.
My partner and I were taking about some.if these points the other day. How can the public put their say in when there aren't even notices posted, let alone open meeting (including Zoom). A structure like this will ruin the atmosphere, the look, and overall environment of that area. Oddly enough, I like the parking lot. There isn't enough parking by the river, and the lot helps support the businesses around it.
We live across the street and were shocked to find out this project was even in the works. No, notice whatsoever. The parking here is bad enough on days when there are events. The businesses are very popular and for people who live here it can be problematic... but at least at night we can find parking. Now take away the parking lot and add 34 more living units??? Unless they have 3 floors dedicated to parking, I'm not sure how they can accommodate everyone. It definitely does not fit the character of this neighborhood... Right on the river? Take a walk along Riverside... it will definitely stick out.
We usually get at least postcard when there are changes like this happening in our neighborhood. For those advocating so strongly for it, how would you feel if they decided to build a 5 story complex across your home without any notice? The point is no one living here had any input whatsoever. I'm not sure how these people are getting away without any public input whatsoever. If no one files a lawsuit over this, we might.
It looks like the development has already commenced. This will change this lovely little riverside neighborhood forever. With the acres of empty lots in Reno, they have to mangle this one. 😪😪😪
Thank you for your due diligence. This article answered all my questions and some. This monstrosity will not only change the face and access of River Side Drive, but most likely it will be unaffordable too! It saddens me every time I walk by, to see this happen to a beautiful area of downtown.
Fabulous write up, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Passing it around far and wide.
Thanks for the information. It will be a sad day when we lose this space to further development in this park like area.
Thank you Alicia for sharing this and shedding light on this proposed project. Historic character is so incredibly important, especially in a city that has already lost so much of it's older neighborhoods to blight and large scale development.
Thanks for sharing this Alicia!
I generally agree with your thoughtful input but I think it should be pointed out that these same developers helped curate the current riverfront environment we all enjoy today; the Hub development created a welcoming environment that has become an important part of Reno culture. As evidenced by their other projects in town, Reno Lion is always thoughtful and measured in their approach to sustaining and encouraging Reno culture. Though I’m sure it was unintentional, your omission that the developer created the Hub development in your piece conveys a lack of transparency
Investing oneself emotionally to a parking lot and seldom used , redundant roadway as if their absence will create an irreplaceable void is confusing. Manufacturing a scenario whereby an atmosphere you enjoy will be forever tarnished if there is a 5 story building but somehow less affected by a 2 or 3 story building is an exercise of a pessimistic creativity but nothing more. The “tall building will blot out the sun” is a tired and trite argument that has been erroneously argued since Burnham and Root started developing the first “sky-scrapers” in Chicago over 120 years ago.
If the argument is that allowing such a development is about setting a dangerous precedent Ms. Barber and Ms. Brekhus have litigated against themselves; outlining in there respective posts that the code has since been altered to disallow any projects with similar ambitions; therefore this project is unique in that it’s size and scope is not reproducible secondary to new changes in the municipal and neighborhood code and guidelines.
The outrage to this project is NIMBY-ism at its core, which in itself is a reflection of a reluctance towards inclusion and an unfortunate pessimistic worldview towards change. From reading Ms. Barbers other posts I glean that this is not her world view which leaves me puzzled about her opposition. If the developer was tearing down historical buildings I’d understand, but let me reiterate; this is not the Mapes, this is a parking lot and unnecessary ~100ft roadway.
Finally, I’d like to state I am not a developer or in real estate and have no financial stake in the development.
My partner and I were taking about some.if these points the other day. How can the public put their say in when there aren't even notices posted, let alone open meeting (including Zoom). A structure like this will ruin the atmosphere, the look, and overall environment of that area. Oddly enough, I like the parking lot. There isn't enough parking by the river, and the lot helps support the businesses around it.
We live across the street and were shocked to find out this project was even in the works. No, notice whatsoever. The parking here is bad enough on days when there are events. The businesses are very popular and for people who live here it can be problematic... but at least at night we can find parking. Now take away the parking lot and add 34 more living units??? Unless they have 3 floors dedicated to parking, I'm not sure how they can accommodate everyone. It definitely does not fit the character of this neighborhood... Right on the river? Take a walk along Riverside... it will definitely stick out.
We usually get at least postcard when there are changes like this happening in our neighborhood. For those advocating so strongly for it, how would you feel if they decided to build a 5 story complex across your home without any notice? The point is no one living here had any input whatsoever. I'm not sure how these people are getting away without any public input whatsoever. If no one files a lawsuit over this, we might.
Thank you for investigating this... the process by which it was approved seems oddly missing any engagement with the community it resides in.
It looks like the development has already commenced. This will change this lovely little riverside neighborhood forever. With the acres of empty lots in Reno, they have to mangle this one. 😪😪😪
Thank you for your due diligence. This article answered all my questions and some. This monstrosity will not only change the face and access of River Side Drive, but most likely it will be unaffordable too! It saddens me every time I walk by, to see this happen to a beautiful area of downtown.