HABERAE 

"These old motels cannot possibly be saved.  They are unsalvageable.  They add zero value to downtown Reno.  They are eyesores and should be blown up.  They are blights on our downtown.  They are structurally unsafe.  They are structurally unsound.  Making affordable apartments there would be a terrible idea.  Mid Century architecure has no historical integrity.  Affordable housing brings a bad element to downtown Reno.  No businesses in the downtown area of Reno wants this type of redevelopment..."

The above statements were made by a multitude of so called "developers" and "concerned friends of city council" during a June, 2016 Reno City Council meeting in which there was discussion and a vote on whether to save or tear down two mid century motels 100 feet away from our current project.  The motels in question were ultimately torn down at taxpayers expense, and currently in their place is blacktop, sewer rock and a few sculptures surrounded by chain link fencing.  The casino across the street "promised" in this same city council public meeting, to donate $50,000 in landscaping.  Go look at the site.  There was no donation of any landscaping and it has been almost TWO years since Reno city council voted to demolish the old motels.   All public record.  All on YOUR dime. 

We can't wait for these folks to see our public record.

Reno’s downtown and 4th street areas are full of boarded up, vintage motels.  What others see as a problem to be solved by knocking these buildings down we see as an opportunity to benefit our community in numerous ways.

How?  Redeveloping existing structures reduces the need for development of new land, which is expensive and scarce in these areas.  It lessens the sprawl-related environmental impact of scattered development in suburban areas.  Urban density is associated with less energy usage than single family homes, and existing infrastructure is less expensive to maintain than it is to build new infrastructure for suburban sprawl patterns.  And reusing these existing structures, which are often neighborhood eyesores, sparks revitalization of entire areas, bringing residents, tax dollars, retail, restaurants, cultural activities and events.  In short, redeveloping existing properties is not only possible, it is cost effective and smart.

The renovation of the 1960's era Coach Motel at the corner of 5th and N. Center Street will not be our first trip to the adaptive reuse rodeo.  We’ve renovated and adaptively repurposed several buildings throughout Reno.  This time, however, will be our first shot in downtown Reno.  

Why there?  Why now?  Because we believe by showing what can be done with these boarded up, blighted buildings Reno can begin to alleviate its affordable housing problem.  We believe if we fix it, they will come.  We believe in offering living spaces for regular folks who are at an income level that cannot afford $1,500 monthly prices on studios or one bedrooms in downtown Reno.  We believe in the value of preserving Reno’s history through its mid-century motels, many of which are ultra cool, completely salvageable and architecturally significant buildings to boot.

 21 on Center will give you a front row seat to all of downtown Reno.  An easy 5 blocks to UNR.  A hop, skip and a jump to Midtown.  Spitting distance to the freeway. 

So stay in touch as we create 21 great spaces all with full size bathrooms with custom tile, modern finishes, super energy efficient windows, new energy efficient heating and air conditioning, onsite laundry and all at less than market rent.  As always, all utilities will be included.  We will also welcome your well behaved pet.  

 The Coach Motel 2017

21 on Center when finished