Downtown Businesses

28th Annual Best Of Las Vegas Poll

January 16th, 2009 Categories: Downtown Businesses

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Just in case you don’t read the paper in print form:

I’m not making any recommendations (other than First Friday for categories 44, 45 and 48) , but I know there’s lots of galleries and restaurants in Vintage Vegas that deserve to be nominated, and even be the winners. The suburbanites outnumber us 100 to one, so I’m suggesting that we try to get some winners from Vintage Vegas.

Make sure you follow the rules and vote ONLY ONCE before Monday at 5pm. 

Welcome to the 28th annual Best of Las Vegas poll.

THE BALLOT
This year’s ballot will be divided into three parts over three weeks in the newspaper and online.

Part one of the printed ballot features the popular Eat & Drink category and the Locations category. The newspaper ballot will appear Jan. 11, 12 and 14. The online ballot will be available for one week plus a day. The deadline for both is 5 p.m. Jan. 19.

Same rules for the other two parts: Hotels and Entertainment will appear Jan. 18, 19 and 21 (deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 26) and Shopping, Sports Spots, People and Best of the Worst will be printed Jan. 25, 26 and 28 (deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 2).

THE PRIZES
Once again, the Review-Journal will be awarding prizes to people who fill out the ballot(s) — either the printed ballot or online form.

Prizes include two tickets to Best All-Around Performer, two tickets to see the Best Show, dinner for two at the Best Gourmet Restaurant in a hotel, dinner for two in the Best Gourmet Restaurant not in a hotel, lunch for two at the Best Place for a Power Lunch, a gift certificate to the Best Mall, and the grand prize of a night on the town featuring a dinner, show and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Those who return all three ballots, will have three chances to win.

THE RULES
No stuffing! We check. Both the printed and online entries. All duplicates are tossed and so is your chance to win a prize (or if you are a business, your chance to receive a Best of Las Vegas award). A complete list of rules can be viewed here or by clicking the link at the end of the ballot (below).

WHEN WILL WE KNOW WHO WON?
Results will be printed in the newspaper and posted online on March 29.

CAST YOUR VOTES ON–LINE HERE.

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Studio 8 Ten - A Non-Profit Art Studio And Gift Provides Employment For The Disabled

December 15th, 2008 Categories: ART, Downtown Businesses

The holiday open house for Studio 10 is Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. All the information about this terrific non-profit is in the invitation. Click on it for a larger version.

I’m hoping you’ll stop by there on your way to our VVV readers meet up at Frankies, which is from 6 to 8 pm the same evening.

810 Las Vegas Blvd. 4–7 PM on Thursday 12/18

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Frankies Bar To Become Frankies Tiki Lounge

November 4th, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses

I’ve always loved Tiki! It was a all the rage in the 50’s and 60’s. A few months ago, I wrote about some of our famous Tiki homes in the historic neighborhoods and about one of the most famous Tiki Bars in the world that was torn down in Columbus Ohio where I grew up.

It looks like we’ll get another chance to fall in love with polynesian themed cocktail lounges once again.

City Life reports:

On Dec. 4, Frankie’s Bar and Cocktail Lounge (1712 W. Charleston Blvd.) becomes Frankie’s Tiki Room. This has been Double Down Saloon proprietor Moss’s new project since January, and he’s got the support and participation of tiki-culture icons and artists like Bosko. Frankie’s promises to be an authentic tiki room, the first since the Venetian shuttered the original Venus club (unless you count tourist trap Trader Vic’s, and we doubt Moss does), that will still honor the original bar in name and neon.

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The Southern Nevada Museum Of Fine Art Opens It’s Doors At Neonopolis

September 27th, 2008 Categories: ART, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

We attended the opening reception on Thursday at the the newly relocated Southern Nevada Museum Of Fine Art. It’s now on the 2^nd floor of Neonopolis at the entry to the Fremont Street Experience.

The gallery space is enourmous and friendly, but the highlight will be the dozens of artist work spaces. All of them are now rented and the artists will be taking occupancy soon.

What was once the food court is now another fine addition to the evergrowing downtown arts scene.

There’s big changes happening at Neonopis. Telemundo will have a broadcast studio, several new restaurants, 2 or 3 of the movie theatres are being transformed into performing arts space.

Joe Palermo, the executive director of the non-profit organization told me that the goal is to create an entire complex of art entertainment, theatre, and fine dining. So far, they’re off to a great start.  

Make a point to stop in. Once all the various artist tenants are working it should be an exciting experience everytime you visit.

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Every Friend Of The Family Who Ever Came To Las Vegas……

August 21st, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

got their picture taken in front of the million dollar horseshoe at Binions. The coffee shop at Binion’s was my father’s favorite place to bring our out of town friends.  

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A Welcome Addition To Downtown Las Vegas

August 1st, 2008 Categories: ART, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

We welcome a new and much needed type of business to downtown Las Vegas. An art gallery in the business and government district. With hundreds of new residents about to move into Juhl and Streamline, there’ll be a lot more foot traffic and living space to decorate.

Henri & Odette have their grand opening during First Friday. They’re technically not in the Arts District, but they’re just around the corner on Carson between Las Vegas Blvd and Carson.

Odette, who’s previously had her gallery in the Arts Factory is stepping it up a notch to create “A Metropolitan Location For Art, Style, Design and Life”.

I caught them in the act of putting the finishing touches on their new space while I was leaving the Downtown Cocktail Room.

Caesar Garcia is the artist for their first show, which is called “Language”.

Henri & Odette have created a bright, exciting new storefront for downtown.

Stop in and say hello.

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First Friday and The Thursday Before In The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

July 31st, 2008 Categories: ART, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas, First Friday

How in the world did July slip by so quickly?

It’s time once again for First Friday, in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District.

Get yourself out of the house on Friday Night and see what’s happening. You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s the link to the calendar of events. There’s plenty happening, and something for everyone.

Tonight, (THURSDAY) at the Thursday Before Preview:

The Contemporary Arts Collective, (freshly re-painted and looking like a gallery again) invites you to the opening party and artist’s discussion for their new show: ‘Painting Physical Presence’ - Paintings by Erik Gecas and Ayako Ono

The Opening Reception is 6–9PM

There are several new exhibits opening in the Arts Factory the same night:

Justin Favela presents photo/mixed media collage work from UNLV in the common area gallery

TRIFECTA presents ‘Right/Left Behind You’ by Casey Weldon 

Mark Diederichsen and Steven Spann open their galleries for a preview reception. 

Lost Vegas and Retro Vegas will be open the same 6–9 pm for your vintage shopping delight.

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Documentary Film: The First 4 Years Of First Friday

June 6th, 2008 Categories: ART, Arts District, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas, First Friday

The first public airing of the new Documentary about the creation and development of the First Friday Art Event in Downtown Las Vegas will be this Sunday on Channel 1 and Cox Channel 19.

I saw the first cut, and am hoping that the segment with me still made the final cut.

On Sunday 6/15 @ 4:00 PM Channel One and Cox Cable Channel 19

The First 4 Years of First Friday: A Documentary examining the
people and economic forces that created this monthly
phenomenon.

First Friday has revitalized one urban neighborhood and has
provided a cultural and artistic heart to the Entertainment
Capitol of the World. The documentary, directed by Marlene J.
Adrian and produced by Women of Diversity Productions, Inc.,
includes interviews of local artists, gallery and restaurant
owners, retailers, civic leaders, performers, vendors, sponsors,
founders and others involved with First Friday.

It explores the evolution of this event and the people and forces that prepared
the way and peers into the possibilities for surrounding area.

Marlene J. Adrian states that this “art festival began with only
200 attendees and now exceeds 10,000. This event has
impacted not only the businesses and people residing in that
neighborhood, but the city of Las Vegas itself. This organic
movement and its overflow needed to be documented for the
benefit of all Las Vegans.“

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The Table Tale

June 4th, 2008 Categories: Decorating Tips, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas, First Friday, Mid Century Modern

About 5 years ago I went to a garage sale at a “cookie cutter” home in Green Valley. There was this gorgeous pink and chrome 50’s dinette set with a sticky note on the table that said “900”. I had a good chuckle over the price tag, but started negotiating for it.

The lady wouldn’t budge below 700 and I passed.

2 years later I was out showing homes to a client. We pulled up to the next house on the list, and I realized it was the same house where the table had been for sale. While opening the lockbox,  I casually told him the story of the HOT PINK AND CHROME 50’s Dinette.

The house was vacant, but when we went into the garage, the only thing in it was a lawnmower and a gorgeous 50’s pink and chrome dinette set with a yellow sticky note on the table that said “900”.

I joked that if he bought this house, I’d “take the dinette set as a tip”. He said “yuch!, you can have it”. By the end of the day we were writing an offer on that house, and he didn’t object at all if I included the gorgeous 50’s pink and chrome dinette set along with the washer,dryer and fridge which he did want to have included in the deal.

That’s how I came to have a hot pink dinette in my kitchen.

Everyone who’s ever seen it (at least everyone who appreciates such things) thought it was fabulous. At various times over the last year or two, Mark and Bill, and Ben thought it was FAB.

They called the other day. They begged me to sell it to them so that they could put it into the pink metal cabinet kitchen  that’s the centerpiece of their new store which is called:

YES, it’s the same hot pink kitchen that we mentioned a few months ago.

If you want to see the HOT PINK 50’s CHROME DINETTE SET, all you have to do is visit their store. I was there yesterday, and it’s just full of retro everything (including my dinette set).

There’s a “soft opening” on Thursday from 6–9 pm, and the GRAND OPENING is during First Friday from 6–10 pm.

“RETRO VEGAS” is at 1211 S. Main Street in the Arts District.

I’m missing my dinette set already.  even though I replaced it with a similar yellow dinette set that that had been the office conference table.

I might just have to go and buy it back.

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 1 Comment »

“Lost Vegas” Vintage Clothing And Las Vegas Momentos - Grand Opening On First Friday In The Downtown Las Vegas Arts District

June 3rd, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

I’ve been dressing up lately.

Well, at least for some of the parties and special events.

One of our sources for the vintage clothing that you’ll see me and Mary Joy and Pam wearing to the events comes from our friend Diane Bush.

She’s opening a new store

The store is called “LOST VEGAS” and it’s in the Arts Factory.

She’ll be featuring vintage clothing for men and women, plus old vintage vegas momentos, as well as new Vegas themed household wares. Its on the ground floor, smack in the middle of the Arts Factory.

Hours: 6-9 First Friday, and the Thursday night before, (6pm-10pm) and sometimes the following Saturday 10am-5pm. For more info people can call 234-3269 .

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The Medical District Of Downtown Las Vegas Has Some Great Post Modern Architecture

May 9th, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

Because I was at the Wolfson Lofts several times these last few weeks, I took the opportunity to do some driving around. There’s lots of new buildings, and some very creative architecture.

The Medical District includes UMC and Valley Hospitals, and lots of doctors offices, labs, the Clark County Health Department, outpatient procedure centers etc. 

The Medical District is one of many districts that have been designated by the city. We discuss the arts district a lot at VVV, but there’s also the Fremont East Entertainment District, the Casino District, which is Fremont Street Experience, the Business and Government District, The Cultural Corridor among others. We’ll try to do more coverage of each of these in the future.

Commercial Real Estate doesn’t have to look Mediterranean, and it doesn’t have to look like a strip mall.

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“Lawyer’s Row” In Downtown Las Vegas Is Now Part Of The Arts Scene As Well

April 21st, 2008 Categories: ART, Arts District, Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas, Lawyer's Row

Michelle Quinn, The forrmer director of the Godt-Cleary Gallery has opened shop in “lawyer’s row”.  Once again, Kristen Peterson of The Las Vegas Sun tells the story.

More good press for the new downtown that we love so much.  

If you’ve never driven thru “lawyer’s row” you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

You’ll find it on the north side of Charleston East of Las Vegas Blvd. Technically, its part of the “Las Vegas High School Historic Neighborhood”. Most of the homes on 6^th, 7th and 8^th streets are now commercial. From 9^th to 11th, the neighborhood is still transistioning to Commercial.

We mentioned the area a few weeks ago when we showed one of my favorite little apartment buildings on 11th Street.

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Urban Living Tour Of Downtown Las Vegas Showcases New Developments and Hi Rise Living

April 17th, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas

See what life is like in downtown Las Vegas on the

Downtown Urban Living Tour

Friday, May 2nd, from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, in conjunction with First Friday. Join us at the Celebrity Nightclub for live music, drink specials and a brief tour orientation where you will receive everything you need to participate in the event!

Enjoy the complimentary wine tasting and live music at juhl, Newport Lofts and Streamline Tower, then take a ride on our exclusive guided bus tour
which transports you to First Friday, Union Park, The Entertainment District, The Fremont Street Experience and the latest hot spots of Downtown Las Vegas. Receive exclusive deals from Hogs & Heifers, Triple George Grill, Tinocos and other popular neighborhood restaurants, galleries, bars and nightclubs.

Experience Downtown Vegas like you never have before. RSVP to the juhl Info Center at 702.853.1853

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 2 Comments »

Lawyer’s Row In Downtown Las Vegas Hasn’t Finished Spreading To The East

April 2nd, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Downtown Las Vegas, Historic Preservation, Mid Century Modern

North of Charleston and East of Las Vegas Blvd is where you’ll find “Lawyer’s Row”. This was the far edge of Las Vegas in the 1920’s and 30’s. Las Vegas High School, which is now the Las Vegas Academy is the cornerstone of the area. Cute bungalows, and cottages have been rezoned and turned into professional space. Most of the rezoning has happened on 6^th, 7^th and 8^th Street.

9^th to 11th Street still has residential homes, duplexes and 4 plexes and some mid sized apartment complexes. Most are very nicely kept up. The whole area of Lawyers Row, and the Las Vegas Academy Historic Neighborhood makes a very worthwhile sightseeing trip.

Someday, I imagine the big money guys will want to tear these homes down in favor of McOffices. (office buildings that look like McMansions. Lynn Zook and I both hate them, and there’s already several on 6^th and 7^th streets.

Small Apartment Buildings In Downtown Las Vegas Make Great Real Estate Investments

One of my favorite small apartment buildings seems to be going thru a remodel on the interior. The stonework and low pitched roof design is classic postwar mid century modern. Obviously, this is 311 s. 11th Street.

All photos on VeryVintageVegas are clickable thumbnails if you’d like to see a larger image to study the details.

The upper balconies on the side of the building are held up with diagonal 2×6’s with evenly spaced holes that really make the mid–mod design a true winner in my book.

Peeking thru the windows, I found original metal cabinets, wall heaters and I love the aluminum frame floor to ceiling windows.  We’ll keep our eye on it and watch how it progresses. Hopefully they’ll catch up on the paint, window glazing and getting the address off of the front of the building.

Buildings like these can make great investments.

Posted by Jack LeVine | Currently 1 Comment »

Uncle Joe’s Pizza On Fremont

February 22nd, 2008 Categories: Downtown Businesses, Fremont East Entertainment District

More than just the best Philly Cheese Steak in Vegas!  But, try to tell me that.. I’m hooked on the Philly!  This cool independent pizza shop near the corner of Fremont & Las Vegas Blvd, has exactly the vibe you’d get if you stumbled into any given pizza shop in NY or Philly.  But we don’t just dine out because a place has great ‘urban grub-vibe appeal’… everything on the menu I’ve had is amazing!  The pizza sizes are true to East Coast measurements (meaning a ‘small’ pizza dwarfs those offered by national chains), and I haven’t stepped in the joint once to leave disappointed. 

Beyond the amazing food, small shops near Fremont such as Uncle Joe’s, truly embody the diversity of foot traffic you’d hope to find in a downtown coming of age.  Maybe it takes me back to the state of mind I used to take for granted while living in Ann Arbor, MI on U of M’s eclectically diverse campus.  What ever it is, the positive energy of everyone here and the quality food at a good price have won me over big time.  Besides that, it’s just close & convenient.

More on this restaurant, including their menu (available for carry out, dine in, and delivery) will soon be located in the ‘Downtown Restaurants’ link in our links section.  Keep up the kitchen love Joe!

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