02/28/2002

David R. Day
Zidaho Insider

Reno calls itself “The Biggest Little City in the World.” For me Reno seems sad and tired, like an aging showgirl. She still has some fun in her but you don’t want to look too close.

Over a couple of weeks I had the chance to stay in what was one of my favorite western towns and one of my least. A few days in Reno and Salt Lake changed my view a bit.

Reno was built first on the power of the Railroad. The golden spike that connected the west coast to the east coast rail lines was placed just miles away. When gold and silver mining were at their peak, Reno was a fast town. In the thirties Reno became the place for a quick marriage or divorce. Then gambling casinos and brothels like the Mustang Ranch made their appearance and Reno was on the map.

For some the beginning of Reno’s downfall was the closing-then destruction of the beautiful Mapes Hotel and Casino. Rich with history and intrigue a one of the earliest skyscrapers in the west, the Mapes was ‘old Reno’ at its finest. Now a temporary ice rink is all that marks its spot on the river. Also closed is the Comstock and even the grand Flamingo is dark.

It is not all gloom in downtown Reno, Siena a new Spa & Casino has opened and a greenbelt like riverwalk is being built and Harrah’s has also expanded and added a big pedestrian plaza in the heart of the strip.

As odd as this seems, Reno needs to look at the success of Salt Lake’s Olympic experience (see last weeks column) and find a way to bring back the magic and fun to “The Biggest Little City In The West.”

“Whack,” another downtown club has gone away. No longer open is Joe’s at 6Th & Main.

-David R. Day is a local marketing executive. His column "Z Insider" appears exclusively on Zidaho each Thursday. E-mail David.