Buildings on the block south of the Siena have been demolished, and the block is now being cleared and prepared for parking. Owner Barney Ng is interested in constructing a 600 space parking structure there to open when the Siena opens. Barney Ng has been selected as the developer for 10 N. Virginia Street. Ng's first priority now is development of the Siena, and the Redevelopment Agency Board directed staff not to entertain offers from other developers, so the Board could discuss the future of this parcel at their February retreat. The Riverside Artists Lofts opened in November, and almost all the lofts are leased.
Several tenants are already in residence.
Sierra Arts anticipates completing their work on the first floor this spring, and Artspace Projects, Inc. is now negotiating with prospective tenants on the remainder of the ground floor lease spaces. Staff is negotiating a proposed agreement for development, which will come o the Redevelopment Agency Board in March. Construction could begin here this year. RTC staff will bring a report to the Reno City Council in February. Almost a year into the Downtown Ambassador Program, the Redevelopment Agency's outreach efforts have made a tangible difference in the quality of life downtown.