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Mason's Building to Become Tech-Startup Incubator

6/02/09 - In some positive news for downtown Reno, the Mason's building, the building that houses Bruka Theater on the corner of 1st and Virginia Street, plans on launching a tech R&D oriented business incubator in the upper floor of the building. Imagine Riverside Lofts except for tech-oriented businesses. The goal would be to give businesses a low-rent space downtown in a creative open space with other businesses. As part of this plan, RDA proposes giving them up to 80 parking spaces in the city Parking Garage (on 1st and Sierra Street) for the incubator businesses to use. If the concept proves successful, the concept would be expanded to the Woolworths building, which is owned by the same party.

I think this is a fantastic idea. It fills up a building that isn't really used, it bring more businesses and ongoing foot traffic downtown. And before the negatoids start in, I'll mention that 3 tech start-ups are already on board, and 3 additional businesses are in the processing of coming on board and renting space.

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Posted by: wiley_in_reno - 6/3/2009 9:49:07 AM
I agree it's a good idea. Should have done this 10 years ago. Any time frames?

Posted by: KB - 6/3/2009 10:17:42 AM
Can you identify the three that have signed up already? And hint about the possible three others

Posted by: mowe - 6/3/2009 11:00:15 AM
This is an absolutely fantastic idea. The lack of life in that building has always depressed me so I'm glad to see Reno putting it to use with such an innovative leasing idea.

Posted by: Kaseygirl - 6/3/2009 11:44:30 AM
I love this idea! This building sits right in our main downtown corridor. Are there any plans to change the exterior of the building? The upper levels are so dated and kind of an eyesore!

Posted by: LoftGirl86 - 6/3/2009 5:19:44 PM
You left all the good details out, I was at the meeting and picked up the packet on this. You must not have seen them on the table? The guy talking (didn't catch his name) said there were three initially signed up but two businesses were identified in the packet, 3d Armor Systems and First Warning Systems. Then it says 17 additional businesses in discussions. The page I am most excited about is second to the last page which reads 'Newly renovated office space, visible exterior improvements to the building, enhancing the riverwalk, and creates jobs'.

Posted by: ek - 6/18/2009 5:07:16 PM
where can i get more details? maybe just what i am looking for...