On Wednesday Feb 18, I headed downtown to get a tour of the Reforma project, and chat with Pastor Craig Parish about the mixed-use project that will house Living Stones Church and much more. Though I am not religious and don't participate in organized religion, I went in with an open mind, focusing on the benefits the project will provide downtown Reno outside of the church portion of the project, because there are a LOT of benefits.
Living Stones Church will be moving from their MidTown location, which they rent, to the former movie theater building, which they purchased from the investment company out of Florida that owned it. Cinemark Century Theaters chose not to renew their lease and did not comment as to why they terminated their lease with the investment company. when I inquired with them. The building then remained vacant, with two subsequent developers attempting to close on the property without success, which lowered the initial asking price form $7 million+ down to $5 million. Living Stones Church swooped in and bought it.
According to Parish, Reforma is Living Stones Church’s long-term commitment to the renewal of downtown Reno and the riverfront through the transformation of the old movie theater into a community-centered space. While Living Stones is a church and will serve as an anchor tenant, Reforma is intentionally designed as a multi-use destination that activates the building and surrounding area seven days a week. Most of the exterior edges of the building will not be church-related. The project brings together eight to ten distinct uses under one roof, with Living Stones Church functioning as a tenant alongside a diverse mix of externally operated businesses and community services. Potential uses include riverfront and street-level restaurants, several expanded retail spaces, co-working area, a licensed preschool with an indoor play area, and event center. The name “Reforma,” meaning transformation and renewal, reflects the heart of the project, to create a place where people gather, work, dine, and experience the beauty of the riverwalk.
I took a construction tour of the project, and put together a video below.
Parish provided a list of frequently asked question he thought the community would be interested in knowing:
What is the Reforma project?
Living Stones’ purchase of the old movie theater launches Reforma, a multi-use development project aimed at contributing to the ongoing revitalization and cultural activation of Reno’s Riverwalk District. Reforma will be more than a building; it will serve as a geographical and cultural anchor in downtown Reno, activating the space throughout the week with the hopes of enabling a diverse range of independent use.
What does Reforma mean?
The name “Reforma,” comes from Latin meaning transformation and renewal, reflecting the heart of the project, to contribute to the flourishing and activation of the riverwalk creating a place where people gather, work, dine, and experience the beauty of the river.
When will the Reforma building open?
Construction is currently underway, with a target completion date of Spring 2027. Depending on overall project readiness, Living Stones Church anticipates beginning services in either spring 2027 or fall of 2027. Tenant openings may roll out in phases as spaces are completed.
What types of spaces will Reforma include?
The vision for Reforma is to create an active, seven-day-a-week destination that serves residents, families, businesses, and visitors featuring:
- Two Restaurants: One riverfront and one street-level restaurant along 1st Street and the Plaza (approximately 3,000–3,500 square feet)
- A coffee shop and co-working space (approximately 3,700 square feet)
- Four new retail tenant spaces (900–1,400 square feet each)
- A preschool serving up to 130 children (infant through Pre-K)
- Event Center
- Living Stones Church gathering space
- A Ranger Station
How can I inquire about becoming a tenant?
Prospective tenants are invited to complete the Tenant Interest Form. A member of our team will follow up with additional details as spaces become available.
How will tenant revenue be used?
Revenue from tenant spaces will help offset the building’s mortgage and operating expenses. This model allows Living Stones to reduce financial burden while expanding its community impact.
The church also intends to establish a dedicated “For the City” fund, setting aside resources each year to address identified needs within the community.
Will Living Stones Church pay property taxes on the building?
As a church, Living Stones is exempt from property tax on space used for religious purposes. However, any businesses operating outside the church’s scope and vision will contribute applicable property and sales taxes. Living Stones will also pay taxes on any unrelated business income (UBI), including revenue generated from leased tenant spaces.
In addition, Living Stones will continue contributing to the Downtown Reno Partnership, which supports programs such as downtown ambassadors and community improvement initiatives.
The church also intends to establish a dedicated “For the City” fund, setting aside resources from Reforma each year to address identified needs within the community.
Where will parking be available?
Parking is available in the 600-space parking gallery directly across the street, which is typically underutilized on Sunday mornings. Additional parking is available at the Court Street lot across the river.
