A Sit Down with Fernando

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Posted by: Aileen May - 10/14/2007 9:30:53 AM
Richard Florida's theory on developing urban areas stresses incorporating THE ARTS in redevelopment. These developers need to read his manuscript and start to include more artistic elements to their redevelopment. Think beyond retail!

Posted by: Dave S - 10/14/2007 9:35:44 AM
Very interesting. I heard that L3 Development will transform Fitzgeralds into a boutiue hotel. I think that will be a much needed addition downtown. I like his idea for the Kings Inn. I am one of those sart-up businesses who would love an office downtown.

Posted by: Mike Van H - 10/14/2007 10:06:13 AM
Greetings Aileen.When you say the ARTS, what is it exactly you would like the developers to do? Incorporate more art into their developments? Or try to find Art Gallery type vendors for their retail spaces? Also, can you post a link to the development manuscript you referenced? I'd love to read it myself too :) Thanks!

Posted by: Paul - 10/14/2007 11:26:33 AM
The white balconies are fine. What will irk me is if the giant 4-panel pattern style windows dont go in on the first six floors like their art pictures depict. These first six floors will make or break the project. It will make the difference between a beautiful building, or what happened to the Palladio's first few floors when they stuck those metal ventilation grates on instead of windows like their artist pictures show.

Posted by: Steve P. - 10/14/2007 1:10:28 PM
This is a nice segment that reiterates many important ideas that Leal has previously expressed. I am glad to hear that they are working on the southern section of the building. Hopefully they will complete this within the same time frame as the Tower residences so as to avoid the appearance of a "half-completed" project come March '08. I have always believed that the Montage is the anchor project for downtown redevelopment and its success will in large part determine the feasibility and success of future growth and development in the area.

Posted by: Crystal - 10/15/2007 1:10:08 PM
It will be interesting to see what becomes of Fitzgeralds. If Fernando Leal sticks with his concepts for the Montage, and also renovates Fitzgeralds, Sierra Street between 3rd and 4th Streets would be completely revitalized. It needs it.

Posted by: BUGSY - 10/15/2007 5:02:21 PM
Great idea that Mr Leal is completing the retail of the Montage first before the Condos part. I wish the Riverwalk Towers had that idea. Its almost 2 years since I owned my condo with them and the retail area still looks like crap with no date in site to start construction. Thats SORRY!!!

Posted by: Wiley_n_Reno - 10/17/2007 7:54:05 PM
It's great that "Fitzgerald's" name is staying. I never knew there was a Lincoln Fitzgerald mentioned in todays RGJ who was a gambling entrepreneur back in the 1940's! it made me do some research and I found a link which summarizes the history of Reno's Virginia St. gambling strip. I didn't know most of this stuff. click here: http://oldreno.net/primadonna.htm