Grand Theatre Then and Now

130 N Virginia Street – Reno, Nevada

At the turn of the twentieth century, Reno was in need of a playhouse which could accommodate modern performances. The stage in the aging McKissick’s Opera House was too small and that facility was nearing the end of its utility. By September of 1903, rumors were spreading about a new theater in the works.

A group of men including John Wagner, Senator William J Westerfield, and Richard Kirman, all connected with the Farmers and Merchants Bank, selected a site on the east side of Virginia between First and Second Streets. Architect Morrill J Curtis designed a two-story theater with a stucco finish measuring approximately 50 x 120 feet with an entrance in the center, flanked by two 15 x 32′ retail spaces. A seven-foot wooden platform at the back of the building allowed for loading along Lincoln Alley. Although the Grand was primarily meant for vaudeville, an asbestos-lined room above the lobby housed an animatoscope for showing silent films.

A traditional hand-painted advertising curtain adorned the stage, which spanned the entire width of the building. Seating estimates varied quite a bit so I’ll just say the facility accommodated approximately 1,000 patrons. A coved ceiling helped to improve the acoustics and the sloped floor ensured visibility. The balcony was accessed by two sets of stairs on either side of the building. The interior was said to have been decorated in a “semi-Oriental” style with “elaborate frescoes.”

West Coast theater pioneer Tony Lubelski of the Novelty Theater Company and Lester B Funge of the Grand chain created a partnership to lease Reno’s Grand Theatre for seven years. Reno was a strategic location for the vaudeville circuit between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Before construction of the Grand, that journey cost the company a week due to travel time. Having a place in between allowed the shows to earn money along the way. Funge was to handle operations and Lubelski booked the acts.

Small wood frame structures were removed from the lot at the beginning of November. Dirt removed during excavation of the basement was used to bring the lot for the new Carnegie Library up to grade. Foundation work was completed in December and the roof beams were installed in January of 1904. The Grand passed its inspection that March.

The Grand opened on April 11, 1904 to a house packed well beyond capacity.

In addition to the advertised bill, the Reno Wheelmen band also played for the enormous crowd.

Nick Carter and George Dum opened the Hudson Cyclery in the south storefront on July 23, 1904.

Funge sold his interest in the theater business to Lubelski the same month. Al Cliff became the local manager at that time. In August, the Grand Theatre Company was formed to operate the facility.

Miss Kate E Burns and Mrs. G. D. Fisher opened a millinery store in the north space on September 1, 1904.

Hudson Cyclery was purchased by the newly formed Hudson Electrical Company in December of 1906 and that business became Riverside Fixture Company in April of 1907.

William E Sharp bought controlling interest of the theater company from Lubelski in April of 1909 and Sharp then sold it to the Hurst Brothers. The building itself was sold to Moritz Scheeline in March of 1911.

When the Hurst Brothers bought the Majestic in January of 1913, they changed programming so the Majestic was used for live performances and the Grand was used mainly for moving pictures. New Simplex projectors were installed that February.

In 1915, the building was extended 25 feet toward the alley so the seating capacity could be increased to around 1,100. The stage was removed during the project and a new 20-stop pipe organ was installed at the back wall. A grand reopening event was held on October 1, 1915.

At that time, the millinery store of Kate Burns was still located in the north storefront and the south space was occupied by optometrist Charles O Gasho.

A new flashing electric sign depicting the tail of a peacock was installed in March of 1916.

Dale and Glenn Hurst sold the theater business to Turner and Dahnken, Jr. Enterprises in June of 1921.

The same month, T & D announced the Grand would be showing return engagements rather than first run films.

T & D also operated the Rialto and apparently wanted to consolidate operations. Moritz Scheeline’s son, Harry, owned the building at that time and he started making plans to demolish the theater in the Spring of 1926. Frederic DeLongchamps was hired to design what would become Reno’s tallest building with a mix of retail and professional spaces.

Things were done completely out of order with all of these plans being made public before the retail tenants were even served with notices to vacate. That finally occurred in May of 1926 and the Grand closed on July 6. The electric organ was moved to the Rialto, which was being remodeled into the Granada.

Demolition began immediately with excavation for the new Medico-Dental Arcade being completed in August. The neighboring building to the south which housed the J. D. Mariner Music House at 124-126 N Virginia was also demolished as part of this project. That bit was more complicated because the Mariner lot was owned by Louis and Ava Meiss. The new structure on that lot was only a single story. Scheeline signed a long-term lease with the Meiss family, which complicated things later. Most of the building was leased by September of 1926.

Contractors Hilton and Leatherman rushed construction of the Gothic beauty, which had six stories plus a penthouse apartment.

A wide, red-tiled arcade extended from the entrance to the alley with wide doors which could be closed during inclement weather. The west and south sides were finished with stucco. Compressed air and suction equipment was located in the basement and made available to the medico dental floors.

When the building opened in the Spring of 1927, eleven of the arcade stores were occupied. The three spaces with frontage on Virginia were leased to The Corset Shop, Radcliffe Jewelry Co., and the Buckingham Shoppes in the former Mariner spot.

The upper levels housed a combination of 27 doctors and dentists, the Arcade Pharmacy, a law office, and a financial services company. The building was managed by Barnard, Southard & Co. which had an office on the arcade level. Reno Radium X-Ray Association moved to the fourth floor toward the end of April.

Building caretaker John R Hamlet and his family moved into the penthouse apartment.

Although “throngs of people” had already gotten a look at the new building, a formal grand opening celebration was held the evening of May 7, 1927.

You may recall that the Scheeline Banking and Trust Company merged with George Wingfield’s United Nevada Bank in 1929. The Wingfield banks failed in November of 1932 with Harry Scheeline owing nearly $160,000 that was backed by the company which owned the Arcade. California Western States Life Insurance Co. also held a $140,000 mortgage on the building. Bank receiver Leo F Schmitt assumed control of the Arcade on July 1, 1935.

Schmitt conducted an auction in the Summer of 1938 and the building was purchased by Homer Williams, John Connolly, and Dr. R. R. Craig for approximately $185,000. The mortgage was satisfied first with the remaining amount distributed to United Nevada Bank depositors. As Schmitt continued wrapping up the banks’ affairs, he moved the receivership office to the former Nevada Finance Company space on the arcade level.

The Arcade’s exit to Lincoln Alley was closed off in 1950 when that level was reconfigured. As the 1960s came to a close, vacancies increased. By the early 1970s, the entire arcade level was vacant. In 1973, the building only had a handful of tenants and it sold for only $600,000 in 1979.

Plans for the new Virginian Hotel Casino were approved by the Reno City Council in March of 1983. George Karadanis and Robert Maloff, owners of the Sundowner Hotel Casino, sought to build a 16-story hotel tower connected to a three-story casino on the site of the Arcade. Building inspectors had agreed both the Arcade and neighboring Clay Peters building were unsafe and should be demolished. Once that was completed, the site was used as a parking lot.

A foundation permit was finally issued in the Fall of 1985 but ground wasn’t broken until September of 1986. The City didn’t receive final plans until December of that year. Architect Bill Morris designed the hotel with its main entrance along Lincoln Alley. The parking garage had an automobile elevator which could handle 60 cars per hour.

Two floors of the casino opened on November 17, 1988. The ad has an unfortunate typo.

Matt Karadanis (second from left) served as the general manager.

A business license for the 120-room hotel, restaurant, and gift shop was granted in December of 1988 but these didn’t open until the Spring of 1989.

The hotel opened just before Memorial Day weekend, followed by MK’s Steak House. In December of 1996, the hotel closed, leaving only parts of the casino and one snack bar open. The only guests using the hotel were for Sundowner overflow and special events until the property completely shut down in July of 1997.

Best Gaming Corp., a subsidiary of Compagnie Europeenne de Casinos, bought the Virginian in March of 1998 with plans to operate it themselves. However, they quickly learned the differences between US and European gaming laws and instead leased the hotel to Club Cal-Neva. After a quick refresh, the Virginian reopened on May 27, 1999.

After their lease expired in May of 2004, Club Cal-Neva was unable to negotiate a new agreement and the Virginian closed again in October of 2004.

After sitting vacant for several years, the Virginian was purchased by Siegel Group in December of 2013. The roof was upgraded in 2014 and the rooms were converted to studio apartments with kitchenettes.

The neon on the west side of the building was removed in the Summer of 2016 with the facility’s first occupants being foreign exchange students in Reno for the summer. Collector Will Durham bought the Virginian sign which had been located just above the ground level. The sign up high on the north side was left in place.

Initially, the new façade wasn’t really new. Siegel added new Virginian Apartments signage above the entrance but the outlines of the old Virginian signage were still in place for several years, making the property appear unfinished. That changed in the Fall of 2024 when Derek Douglass and Anthony Castillo painted an enormous mural on the west side of the tower.

This is how the former site of the Grand Theatre looks today:

Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King

I have some thoughts about Siegel properties in general but I also understand economic realities. People need places to live and that mural makes the Virginian look nicer than it is. I hope the residents are living in clean and safe conditions.

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July 27, 2026 0

Mizpah Hotel Then and Now

214 Lake Street – Reno, Nevada

Going back to the 1870s, the east side of Lake Street just north of Second was dotted with small wood frame dwellings. By the 1890s, sturdier and more substantial homes had been constructed but the neighborhood wasn’t the best. Some of the single-family homes became rooming houses with spotty reputations. Around 1904, residents included laborers, harness makers, and the occasional attorney.

Harry Armstrong moved his restaurant to 200 Lake Street in May of 1906.

That building had been converted for a mix of residential and commercial purposes with a rooming house at the back. Canton Laundry also operated on the property.

Herbalist Dr. L Sing began advertising at 206 Lake in 1910. That house was also used as a laundry for several years.

The first three lots actually had an international variety of laundries: Chinese, French, Japanese, and later…Italian.

By 1918, the north half of the block was all brick but development in Lots 1-3 was a bit slower. Directly across the alley to the east was a series of cribs labeled as “Female Boarding.” That was code for houses of prostitution.

Joseph Pincolini bought the property at what was then 204 Lake Street in March of 1921.

A building permit was granted in July of 1921 for a three-story hotel to be operated by the Pincolini brothers and their families. Joe and Dante Pincolini are shown here during excavation of the basement.

The Pincolinis hosted a grand opening event at the Mizpah Hotel on January 1, 1922.

The brick hotel, shown here around 1922, had commercial spaces on the main floor and a dining room for guests toward the back of the building.

Dante, Adelvaldo, and Lazzaro Pincolini are shown here in the Mizpah lobby.

Like many of their fellow Renoites, the Pincolini family wasn’t fond of the National Prohibition Act. Various family members had been arrested for minor violations but the Mizpah was raided in August of 1922.

After a lot of back and forth, the hotel was ordered closed effective May 1, 1923. The rooms were scheduled to open after three months but the dining room was to be closed for a full ten months. This was said to be the first closure of a hotel under the Volstead Act.

The family fought the ruling which went to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A transcript of the proceedings can be read here. Judge Farrington allowed the hotel to reopen at the beginning of July but said the order closing the bar stood. The Pincolinis had to pay for a hotel watchman who would enforce Prohibition laws.

Mizpah Cafe opened in the building in February of 1925.

Business was good and a building permit was issued that May for a $20,000 hotel expansion.

The new addition included a mix of 28 rooms and apartments.

The Mizpah established itself as a residential hotel early on and converted a few rooms into four additional apartments in December of 1926.

Daniel Andreotti and Angelo Matteuccci sold the former Mizpah Cafe to Joe Martini by December of 1926 and it became known as the Trovatore. That establishment ran afoul of the dry laws as well.

Joe Pincolini had a close call in February of 1930 when Harry Lee fired three rounds in his direction after being told to leave the hotel.

Lee was fined $20 for the drunken lapse in judgement.

The Pincolini brothers purchased the neighboring lots to the south of the Mizpah in February of 1931 with plans to expand the hotel all the way to Second, filling the space eastward to the alley. This would create a U-shaped hotel with a narrow courtyard in the middle.

This photo shows the corner prior to the addition. You can see the brick storefront added to the front of the old rooming house with a ladder propped against the wall.

During excavation work in May of 1931, a cache of gold coins reportedly totaling $20,000 was uncovered at the work site. That figure was surely a typo but still an exciting find!

The Pincolini family opened Reno Public Market in the new space at 201 E Second in June of 1932.

Another exciting development was the end of Prohibition. The Mizpah Club at 210 Lake and the new Manhattan Bar at 200 Lake applied for liquor licenses in April of 1933. Other early occupants of the Mizpah addition were De Luxe Cleaners, Heinie’s Cafe, American News Co. of Nevada, and a liquor store operated by the Pincolini brothers.

William Ramos leased the former Manhattan Bar in the corner spot in the Spring of 1937 and opened the Lake Street Pharmacy that May. Ramos also owned the Lake Street Cigar Store next to the drug store. William Pettis bought the pharmacy in May of 1940.

*Nevada State Journal,* May 16, 1940, 10. Newspapers.com.

During the 1940s, commercial spaces were leased to McWade’s Plumbing and Heating Shop, Nevada Cleaners, Lake Street Tobacco Shop, Nevada Paint and Floor Service, and William Lee and Sons Repair Shop.

On August 15, 1948, an explosion on the west side of Lake Street blew out several windows in the Mizpah.

Despite being warned of the danger, several hundred spectators had gathered in front of the hotel to watch a fire when the explosion occurred. Glass rained down upon them as they tried to take cover. Sparks Fire Chief Frank B Hobson was among those killed.

By 1953, the Lake Street Pharmacy had become part of Reno Drug.

Its new neighbors in the 1950s included Nevada Relief Association, Nevada Novelty Co., and Nevada Coin Machine Service.

The Mizpah Bar had become a bit unruly by the mid-1950s. In February of 1957, bartender John A Spears was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after shooting patron John C Pehrson in the head. Pehrson had allegedly been asked to leave and instead chucked a glass at the bartender’s head. Due to repeated emergency calls, the bar was ordered closed in April of 1958.

Multiple relief agencies operated in the Mizpah building with a dedicated thrift store, multiple rummage sales, and the St. Vincent Dining Room.

Reno Drug Co. was liquidated through a bankruptcy sale in November of 1966.

That corner space was leased to Leon Mack where he opened Plaza Loan and Jewelry in 1967. Mack’s neighbor, Violet Odom, operated the Santa Claus Market at 209 E Second for several years. Unfortunately, for Violet, people thought it was funny to rob the store every Christmas.

Most of the robbers carried knives, some guns, and some just alluded to having guns. By 1969, the robberies and burglaries began occurring in all seasons. The Santa Claus Market finally cleared out around the end of 1976. St. Vincent Dining Room relocated to West Third Street in 1977.

Liquor stores seemed to do well in the Mizpah building. Bi-Rite Market was open by December of 1980.

Brian Linton opened Mama Lena’s Fine Sandwiches in the space at 205 E Second in the Spring of 1981. Dragon Town Restaurant opened at 201 E Second in March of 1983.

The Mizpah Hotel, still owned by members of the Pincolini family, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The building retained most of its original features, though some were covered for practical purposes. At the time, the hotel had 110 rooms, 68 of which included bathrooms. 22 of those also had kitchenettes.

Photo by Kathleen Hoff, National Register of Historic Places
Photo by Kathleen Hoff, National Register of Historic Places
Photo by Kathleen Hoff, National Register of Historic Places
Photo by Kathleen Hoff, National Register of Historic Places

Richard Cummings moved his Hair Designs Studio to 203 E Second in 1989. In July of 1990, the Dragon Town Restaurant changed hands and became Pho 777, which opened to rave reviews. Plaza Loan and Jewelry began their moving sale in May of 1992.

That store was later leased to an establishment called Reno Hotel, which hosted acts such as an all-male dance revue.

By the end of 1997, the corner space was being remodeled for Two Giraffes Bar and Grill, which opened in March of 1998.

The bar was called Longnecks by June of 1999. It became Shifters Bar and Grill around July of 2003 followed by Sac’s Bar and Grill around the Spring of 2005, and finally Blind Onion Pizza & Pub by February of 2006. That year, the family was hard at work renovating and redecorating the Mizpah, which was also for sale. In October of 2006, mattresses were being replaced and several were leaned against walls in the hallways.

On Halloween, a resident named Valerie Moore had a verbal dispute with a neighbor named Maxie Birch in Apartment 1. Moore, on parole for the second-degree murder of a woman who allegedly refused her advances, moved at least one of the mattresses against Birch’s door and set it on fire.

Birch said he smelled smoke, opened the door, and made his way down the closest fire escape. Twelve of his neighbors were not so lucky.

The roof over the original north wing was completely destroyed.

In addition to the twelve fatalities, another 31 were injured.

Parts of the north wall were demolished in order to safely search for additional victims and then that section was completely taken down. It took several days to recover the victims with the twelfth being found around November 7, 2006. A floor actually collapsed during demolition and tipped over an excavator.

Initially, the family believed the south 1931 addition could be saved.

However, the heating plant had been located in the original part of the building. That loss, coupled with the smoke and water damage, made restoration far too expensive.

In January of 2007, Moore avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to arson and the first-degree murders of Alford Yates, Kevin Sutherin, William Serrao, Jeremy Wren, Diana Pochini, Gregory Wiltse, Ernest Duarte, Paul Smith, Christopher Covert, Nadine Nicodemus, Philip Bridges, and one unidentified person.

The remaining section of the Mizpah was used for firefighter training prior to its demolition in April of 2007. Its circa-1931 neon sign was saved and had been in storage until around 2012 when it was purchased from the family for restoration. The last mention I found was in 2018 when it was listed for sale as part of the closure of Sippee’s children’s clothing store.

Ground was broken for construction of the Ballpark Apartments in April of 2002.

This is how the former site of the Mizpah Hotel looks today:

Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King

A plaque is located at the southwest corner of the building commemorating the Mizpah Hotel and the lives lost to someone who probably shouldn’t have been paroled in the first place.

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July 13, 2026 0

McKissick’s Opera House Then and Now

43 W Plaza Street – Reno, Nevada

In Reno’s early days, Third Street jogged around the freight warehouses on the north side of the railroad tracks into a wide plaza. This four-block plaza stretched from Sierra all the way to Lake Street. Smith J Hill owned quite a bit of property in this area and sold the lot at the northeast corner of Sierra and Plaza to Jacob “Uncle Jake” McKissick in February of 1887.

McKissick, who was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Reno, planned to build an opera house on this corner. Contractor John Crowley began foundation work that August.

Business manager Charles W Booton obtained plans from the Newsom Brothers architectural firm in San Francisco and construction began in the Fall of 1887.

The brick building had three floors with the opera house itself located on the top two. The main floor was divided into retail spaces. To address fire concerns, twelve exits were located on the second floor with all doors opening outward. Exiting patrons would then use exterior stairs leading from the balcony to the ground level. Exterior walls were four bricks thick. Stairs leading guests to the lobby were reportedly wide enough to accommodate twelve people standing shoulder to shoulder.

The curved stage at the north end of the opera house measured 27 x 50 feet with gas foot lights. The curtain depicted a scene of Rome and was framed with blue and gold drapery. Proscenium (stage) boxes were decorated with cherry wainscotting, cherry red and gold silk, and ecru Spanish lace curtains.

Seating followed the curve of the stage in an amphitheater arrangement. Each reclining seat had a hat rack, footrest, and umbrella/cane rack. The total seating capacity including the dress circle and balcony was around 700. At the time of construction, there were only three dressing rooms. Lighting in the main theater was provided by 64 ventilated gas sun burners.

Exterior brick was painted red in February of 1888 and finishing work was rushed throughout the Spring and into June in preparation for the opening production of “Ramona” under the management of John Piper. The Irving Dramatic Club premiered this Charles A Norcross play June 13 and 14, 1888 to a packed house with very little room even for standing.

John Richardson’s Opera House Saloon, located in the west space on the main floor, also opened on June 13. Its ceilings were said to have exceeded 16 feet and it had four club rooms in the rear with billiards tables and fresh flowers daily. Ten furnished rooms were located above the saloon and connected to the opera house by a hallway.

C. W. Booton’s Opera House Dry Goods store officially opened on June 25, 1888.

McKissick’s quickly became a popular venue for school commencement exercises, lectures, and other community events. After John Piper’s death in January of 1897, his son Ed took over the lease and management of the theater.

Jake McKissick died in September of 1900 at the age of 90. His will was probated by nephew Howard McKissick, his primary beneficiary, that October. This was hotly contested by nephew John McKissick and nieces Luvisa (McKissick) Sellick and Martha (McKissick) Tipton, who claimed the will signing wasn’t witnessed and that Howard had improperly influenced a frail old man. The estate was ordered distributed in March of 1901, mostly to Howard per the terms of the will, but the fight continued.

From the time Howard McKissick inherited Uncle Jake’s opera house, he intended to remodel it into a hotel. The stage was never large enough and fire codes were constantly changing. In some jurisdictions, it became illegal to construct new buildings with opera houses above the ground level. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see his plans come to fruition. Howard McKissick died by suicide in February of 1903 at the age of 40.

Howard’s widow, Lulu (Black) McKissick, then carried the baton in the fight against the nieces and nephew. Ed Piper lobbied hard to keep the opera house operational but the City condemned the building in December of 1905.

City officials allowed the facility to continue operating while Lulu McKissick planned to make the necessary safety repairs.

This bought Piper some time but W. H. Lyon was engaged to design the new hotel in the Spring of 1907.

I believe the last act to perform at McKissick’s Opera House was Lew Dockstader and his minstrels on May 23, 1907.

The theater seats were removed the following week and sold to the University of Nevada.

Lyon’s plans added three floors to the structure, making it a full five-story brick building plus a wooden structure on top with a roof garden. The hotel had approximately 100 rooms, each with hot and cold water. Fire escapes were located on every floor. The new establishment was called Hotel Reno and managed by George W Quigley.

The bar opened on June 20, 1908 followed by a grand opening in the roof garden on June 27. It’s interesting that the ad says to take the elevator because it only went to the fifth floor. To access the roof, patrons were forced to climb steep and narrow stairs.

Hotel Reno itself didn’t open until June 29 because the fixtures arrived late.

For whatever reason, Quigley didn’t do well and didn’t last long. The word “vicissitudes” was used and Lulu McKissick was forced to pay past due bills for fixtures he had ordered.

The name was of the establishment was changed to Hotel McKissick in February of 1909.

It was alternatively advertised as McKissick Hotel, depending on who was in charge at the time.

Employee August Schaffer was killed in a fire which started in the basement of the hotel on February 4, 1910. The cause was ruled to be asphyxiation. Schaffer was a childhood friend of hotel manager, Lisle Jamison. The fire started in the basement kitchen area and was apparently caused by wires being crossed when Schaffer and Jamison installed new ranges. Two smoke helmets were purchased for the fire department as a result of this tragedy. Chief Webster was convinced Schaffer’s life could have been saved if his firefighters had better equipment.

Still, bills had to be paid and people had to eat. Staff hurried to repair the damage and meal service was uninterrupted.

That May, six Tonopah high school students experienced the ride of their lives when the hotel elevator lever broke and crashed into the top floor ceiling. It then dropped about five feet before the safety mechanism engaged and stopped its descent.

E. Reay Mackay, an editor at Nevada Weekly, was shot in the hand at the hotel in March of 1911. He published something unflattering about a Mrs. Mitchell and Dan Edwards defended her honor, or something.

Nevada State Journal, March 14, 1911, 1. Newspapers.com

Mackay later became manager of the McKissick and eventually married Howard and Lulu’s daughter, Ruth.

*R. L. Polk & Co.’s Reno, Sparks and Washoe County Directory 1913-1914*.

Lulu McKissick died in March of 1919 at only 46 years of age. In February of 1920, brothers Abraham and Isaac Jacobs bought the hotel from the estate.

In March of 1921, new owner and manager George J Chew announced the establishment’s name was changing to Plaza Hotel. In addition to the name change, the hotel’s exterior was painted white and it was completely remodeled inside.

Brothers Olivo and Cherubino Nannini, along with their wives Cortese and Lidia, began operating the Plaza Hotel in January of 1923.

Olivo died in November of 1936 and the family banded together to keep the hotel running. As the 1940s progressed, the Plaza began showing its age and the upper floors became vacant. The building received a $40,000 facelift at the end of 1949 and Cherubino Nannini did much of the work himself. In this photo taken in January of 1950, you can see the roofline had been completely altered.

Lidia Nannini died in December of 1967, followed by Cherubino in August of 1967. The Naninni children, who had grown up at the Plaza, stepped up to operate the hotel and bar until the mid-1970s. In November of 1974, the family agreed with the City to close the Plaza in January of 1975. The building wasn’t up to code and there was doubt it could be brought into compliance. Around 40 residents would be displaced.

The property was put up for sale with the expectation that it would be demolished. Ernest Primm, former owner of the Primadonna, was the buyer.

A public sale was held to dispose of any remaining contents June 14 and 15, 1975.

Demolition began on July 18, 1975.

Meanwhile, Primm provided vague nonanswers when asked about his plans for the property.

In October of 1977, Primm finally announced plans to build a new hotel on the old McKissick site. The Virginian was expected to be completed in about two years, even though Primm hadn’t worked out the sewer issue with the City. Plans changed, however, and the Virginian was built on Virginia Street.

Primm died in August of 1981 and his estate solicited bids for his property on Plaza Street in March of 1982. He owned most, if not all of the lots on the north side of Plaza between Sierra and Virginia at the time of his death. Eldorado Hotel Casino used that block as a parking lot for several years. In 1989, the Eldorado opened an expansion which covered the whole block outlined by Fourth, Sierra, Plaza, and Virginia.

In March of 1993, Eldorado requested Plaza Street be abandoned between Sierra and Virginia Streets. This would straighten out the alignment of Third Street and allow the Eldorado to expand southward into the parking lot. The request was approved that April.

Initially, the agreement stipulated construction would be on hold until Third Street was finished but a modification was requested in the Spring of 1994.

Construction of the addition which filled up that entire block was completed around 1996. There is now service access along the north side of Third Street.

This is how the former site of McKissick’s Opera House looks today:

Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King

There was a time when Reno could rely on casinos to deliver much needed revenue. Approving endless expansion made sense. The pendulum is swinging, however, and now downtown needs smaller spaces to drive businesses into vacant buildings. I’m not saying it’s good or bad…but it is interesting to see Reno slowly remembering the old ways.

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May 18, 2026 1

Sundowner Hotel Casino Then and Now

450 N Arlington Avenue – Reno, Nevada

After the former Reno High School was demolished in 1968, the property along the east side of Arlington Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets was purchased for construction of a hotel to be owned by Lake Tahoe Inn H.K.M. Architect William Morris designed a complex which included an 11-story hotel with 349 rooms connected by a passageway to a four-story building at the south end. The restaurant, bar, and registration desk would be located in that building. This new structure would be the largest hotel in Reno at the time, beating Harrah’s by about 25 rooms.

The complex would include 300 parking spaces and construction was estimated to cost $6 million in the early stages. Financing was provided by Prudential Insurance Company of America. Initially, the developers said they wouldn’t pursue a gaming license and that turned out to be an elaborate ruse because Prudential didn’t lend to casinos.

The City received the permit application around September of 1973 with the applicants hoping to have the hotel completed in the summer of 1974. So many nopes. By that October, owners Max Hoseit, George Karadanis, and Robert Maloff had announced it would be branded as a Quality Inn but they hadn’t chosen a name. They had, however, suddenly decided to add a casino. Wink, wink.

The Sundowner Hotel opened on May 23, 1975 with plans for the restaurant and bar plus the newly considered casino to open around July 1.

The gaming license application was initially denied due to allegations Max Hoseit was involved in fraud and usury. He was also accused of polluting Lake Tahoe at one of his other job sites. Incidentally, Hoseit’s former business partner, Jack Van Sickle of Carson City, was indicted in 1969 for conspiracy to murder his ex-wife, a judge, and four attorneys…one of whom was Max Hoseit. All charges were later dropped.

A final decision was scheduled for June 26 but by that time, Hoseit had withdrawn from the corporation (Sundowner Hotel, Inc.) He was still part of Lake Tahoe Inn, which owned the property and leased it to the Sundowner. The trio successfully convinced the gaming board Hoseit wouldn’t be involved in casino operations and the application was approved in July of 1975.

Episodes of mischief plagued the Sundowner during its first summer. Someone turned on a seventh-floor firehose and left it running, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and elevators. That August, the hotel was a victim of what we now call swatting. The 911 caller said an officer had been shot in a room which ended up being vacant. The officer was at home at the time of the incident.

Reno’s biggest hotel also boasted the biggest TV screen at 4×6 feet in the Rawhide Room Lounge on the second-floor mezzanine.

Expansion of the Sundowner was announced in July of 1976. A larger 19-story tower with additional gaming space and about 250 additional hotel rooms would be constructed directly east of the south building, which would require demolition of the Star Dust Motel. It would also require water saving measures and negotiations for additional sewer allocations. That was the tricky bit.

Meanwhile, hotel guests experienced a string of robberies in their rooms. In October of 1976, two couples were bound and gagged and robbed of about $18,000 in cash and jewelry to two men with guns. They were fortunately unharmed.

The Sundowner rebranded as a Best Western in February of 1977 and demolition of the neighboring Star Dust was completed that summer. Construction began on the new tower before the sewer issue was settled. The casino addition was allowed to use the former Star Dust allotment but they did not have permission to build out all of the hotel rooms. Believe me when I tell you they built that new tower less than two inches from the back wall of the Bonanza Inn.

While all of this was happening, Prudential found out they had accidentally leant to casino operators. They threw a fit that November but there wasn’t anything they could do other than try to sell the property. Their own work was sloppy and they failed to include a clause in the mortgage stating no casino could be operated on the premises. It was an awkward time.

Back to the sewer. In December of 1977, the City told the owners they could only have 10,000 gallons per day rather than the 17,000 gallons they requested. This meant they could still build everything but could only put the number of rooms in service that would keep them from exceeding their permitted usage.

Construction worker Larry Newcomb was crushed by a lift on the jobsite and paralyzed in 1978. He later sued and was awarded $4.45 million due to the placement of the lift.

Canadian tourists were shot at in the Sundowner parking garage during a failed robbery attempt in January of 1979. The husband fought back and got pistol whipped but they weren’t seriously injured and they kept their money.

The following month, a federal grand jury subpoenaed the City’s records as part of an FBI investigation into its sewer allocation list. The new water treatment facility was still years away and property developers were all competing to get their projects approved. Lots of fingers were pointed with regard to campaign contributions and what the insurance industry calls moral hazards.

City workers also discovered more plumbing than was approved had popped up in the Sundowner expansion so they issued a stop work order until the unauthorized plumbing was removed. Architect Morris had submitted plans to switch 59,000 square feet of office space over nine floors to 162 additional hotel rooms, which required more sewer capacity. It was a whole thing and the application was rejected that April. The request was then resubmitted in June of 1979 and withdrawn in July, resubmitted again in September, and finally approved that December.

Meanwhile, progress continued with the Sundowner’s new coffee shop opening in December of 1979.

The Roundup Buffet opened on the third floor in March of 1980 followed by GK’s Steak House.

The Sundowner advertised 600 rooms by June of 1980 and a piano bar opened in the Rawhide Lounge that July. That lounge didn’t last terribly long, however, and the space became occupied by the Reno Press and Commercial Club around May of 1981.

From the time the Sundowner opened, numerous police reports had been filed due to money and property being stolen from hotel rooms. In some cases, it was asserted that a passkey was used but that was never proven. In March of 1984, that pattern came to a head when three women were robbed at gunpoint and threatened with rape in their room. The women sued because they said the Sundowner knew they had a security problem with multiple reported incidents and refused to act. Trial testimony included statistics indicating the number of burglaries at the Sundowner was more than triple the closest local hotel. The hotel was found liable in 1986 and the plaintiffs were awarded $1.3 million.

The lesson didn’t seem to stick because on March 25, 1987, police stated a passkey was used to enter 32 rooms and more than $1,100 was taken. Also in 1987, a 79-year-old woman had her hip broken during a purse-snatching incident in a hallway as she returned to her room. She was later awarded $350,000 in damages. The Sundowner’s attorney told the jury they shouldn’t award high punitive damages because the facility had “made extensive efforts to ensure the safety of patrons.” Obviously.

In 1989, Karadanis demolished the Gaslite Motel in the block west of the Sundowner for future expansion. By that time, visitors had begun to expect resort amenities and all the Sundowner really had to offer was a pool. Karadanis envisioned a live entertainment venue to complement the hotel and casino offerings.

By 1990, however, business was really slumping. That Christmas Eve, an electrical fire in an unoccupied room in the north tower ignited a mattress. Firefighters’ efforts were complicated by frozen emergency equipment. Because the sprinklers and standpipes couldn’t be used, they had to break a window and drag hoses to extinguish the fire. The room hadn’t been occupied in three days and management actually said only about 40 of the north tower rooms had been in use. They apparently decided not to heat the upper floors to save money. That created additional problems when the water used to fight the fire froze the elevator, closing the entire north tower for several days.

Reno’s continuing casino building boom, including the giant Project C complex just to the east, didn’t help matters.

Events like Hot August Nights would sell out rooms but the Sundowner couldn’t maintain that momentum throughout the year.

The hits kept coming, literally. In November of 1996, a woman was robbed of $580 in a Sundowner elevator. She was hit in the face and thrown on the floor during the ordeal. A June 1997 editorial complimented the Sundowner on their new night lighting project, which made the area look cleaner and safer. However, this didn’t do much for interior security. The following month, an elderly couple was robbed by someone who had entered their room while it was empty and waited for them to return.

The Sundowner rolled into the new millennium with enthusiasm for their upcoming 25th anniversary year. Unfortunately, that would be their last major milestone.

That November, an elderly lady was dragged off her slot chair as she tried to hold onto her purse while it was being stolen. Her knee was injured in the fall and she suffered a dislocated shoulder. If you can’t even secure your gaming floor, what are you even doing?

In January of 2001, Karadanis acknowledged publicly that the Sundowner hadn’t made money since 1995. He and Maloff had been trying to sell the property but were having trouble finding buyers, despite putting about $2 million into property and gaming upgrades over the previous two years. There was added concern about possibly having to pay additional taxes to help fund a new event center. Both men were looking forward to retirement.

Screenshot from February 5, 2001 snapshot via Wayback Machine, https://web.archive.org/web/20010205004300/http://www.sundowner-casino.com/frames.htm

That August, Bill freaking Gates played in a bridge tournament at the Sundowner and that was possibly the last fun moment in its history. Shortly afterward, the Garden Gazebo Buffet began having trouble maintaining appropriate food temperatures due to worn equipment. Advertising spending was cut drastically in 2002, dwindling to almost nothing in early 2003.

On October 3, 2003, the Gazette-Journal reported the Sundowner would be closing that December 1 due to ongoing losses. No severance was offered to the approximately 375 employees. They didn’t even allow a full month of insurance, with coverage being terminated effective October 17. This was a bit of a gut punch, especially for staff who had worked at the Sundowner for 20 years.

But then it got even worse! Most employees were told on Friday, November 7 that they shouldn’t come to work the following Monday. That shorted them another three weeks of pay right before Christmas. Several sued for lost wages due to the abrupt change.

Rumors about a potential buyer saving the day failed to materialize. A small group of employees worked to secure the building, clear out the vault, prepare financial statements, and help the Nevada Gaming Control Board with a final audit. Casino patrons were given until March of 2004 to redeem outstanding chips and tokens.

In January of 2004, it was reported that the Sundowner hotel rooms in the north and south towers could be converted into entry-level condominiums as part of a first-time homebuyer program. It was suggested that the casino areas could be repurposed as retail space. The potential buyer was not named at that time but by April developer Siavash Barmand of San Francisco was mentioned in conjunction with the deal.

The newly renamed Belvedere Towers received approval to change the zoning in July of 2004, the same month Barmand took possession of the property. Plans called for a 377-unit condominium and retail complex. Interior demo was underway in the north tower by March of 2005 and plans for the south tower were nearly completed. By August, Barmand was no longer involved with the project and Bijan Madjlessi had picked up the baton. The interior ended up needing a lot more demo than initially planned, causing the Belvedere to experience one delay after another.

Two additional floors were added to the north tower for penthouse units. By April of 2007, only 98 units had been sold, just in time for the Great Recession. The sales office kept saying the condos would be ready for occupancy in a few months but the first residents didn’t begin moving in until July 2, 2008. Advertised amenities included a heated rooftop saltwater pool and spa, movie theater, fitness center, recreation center, and business center and conference room. In addition to studio, one and two bedroom units, they also had two-bedroom penthouses listed for $850,000.

A July 29, 2008 fire, quickly determined to be arson, started on the roof of the four-story building and then went up the west and north walls of the south tower while its interior was under construction.

A little smoke infiltrated the north tower but no damage was sustained. Fewer than 15 people occupied those units and no injuries were reported. Damage to the south tower was estimated at $120,000.

At the same time, notices of foreclosure were popping up in the paper. Taxes hadn’t been paid, loans hadn’t been paid, and vendors hadn’t been paid. Trustee sale notices were posted and updated for a couple years. During that time, the City cited the management company several times for code violations. The Belvedere finally cleaned up the fire damage in November of 2010.

Multiple units were up for tax sale in April of 2011. Belvedere developer Bijan Madjlessi’s attorney, David Lonich, bought 92 of them for just under $2 million. At that time, only 80 condos were owned by individuals. Mountain Air Enterprises had purchased the unfinished south tower and a civil suit was filed over that sale.

Madjlessi was also charged with felony insurance fraud. He submitted multiple claims for the same losses netting almost $1.5 million. The arson case was still open at that time. He received the insurance money and then failed to make building repairs for two years. Madjlessi also defaulted on a huge development in Petaluma, California around that time. The insurance fraud trial was scheduled for October 28, 2014.

Madjlessi, Attorney Lonich, and two former bank executives were arrested in April of 2014 for fraud related to construction loans on the Belvedere. Before any of these charges could be resolved, Madjlessi was killed in a automobile crash in May of 2014. His body was found in his car 400 feet down an embankment after his family reported him missing. He had been wearing his seatbelt, had no drugs or alcohol in his system, and there was no evidence of suicide or foul play so his death was ruled accidental. The surviving three men were convicted in 2017.

While the condos in the north tower seem to have done fairly well, the south tower was never completed. It has changed hands a few times but no one has been able to solidify any plans. In 2022, the Reno Housing Authority looked at it as a potential spot for affordable housing. Unresponsive owners were blamed for the lack of progress but the building has been decaying for quite some time. I found a listing which stated the casino floors were demolished as well as two hotel floors. It probably needs to have elevators replaced as well as the roof and HVAC but hey, it comes with 255 keys!

This is how the site of the former Sundowner Hotel Casino looks today:

Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King
Photo by Anna King

If you’re interested in seeing the condo interiors, there are loads of listings on Zillow and other real estate websites. They look quite nice, if maybe a bit on the small side. Some residents have complained about a lack of responsiveness from the management company and there has been some turnover on the condo association board.

The Sundowner sign is still painted on the east side of the south tower advertising the Best Rest in the West! I saw a rumor a few weeks ago that the south tower was being torn down to create more parking but with all of the lots nearby already sitting empty, that seems insane. No permits are popping up on the County website so I’ll believe it when I see it. The last listing I saw had an asking price of nearly $17 million. Bananas.

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March 23, 2026 0

Hotel Golden: Total Destruction

In early 1954, brothers William and James Tomerlin negotiated what ended up being a swap with Frank Hofues for the New Golden. The deed was transferred to New Golden Hotel Company on February 10, 1954 and the sale was completed that April.

The brothers were not initially interested in the gaming operations but that changed in 1955 when a license was approved for the new operators of the Golden Bank Club. The Tomerlins were listed as officers in full control of the partnership with an additional 25 limited partners.

Photo: Reno Fire Antique and Classic Apparatus, Inc.

A press conference was held November 15, 1955, at which time the Tomerlins announced they had bought out the Bank Club, casino, and restaurant lease effective December 1. The main casino and theater restaurant closed at midnight November 16 so a massive remodeling project could begin. The hotel, slot machine bar, Bank Club and coffee shop remained open and several employees were shifted over to those areas. Architects for the project were Bill Wagner and Wayne McAllister and the project was expected to cost $200,000 to $250,000.

Center Street, Reno, Nevada, BBR-49, postcard. Published by The Old Lamp Post, Virginia City, Nev. Photo by Walt Mulcahy, circa mid-1950s. Author’s collection.

A six-day closure of the Golden Bank Club occurred at the beginning of December for cleaning and redecorating.

*Nevada State Journal,* December 1, 1955, 2. Newspapers.com.

The Mardi Gras Show Lounge and Golden Casino opened May 25, 1956. Visitors were entertained by the Kirby Stone Four.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* May 25, 1956, 2. Newspapers.com.

The Malt Shop opened that August with an entrance to the Lincoln Alley. This space was designed by Frank Green with red and white stripes and white wrought iron furniture. Management was very clear about welcoming children as long as they were accompanied by an adult.

*Nevada State Journal,* August 17, 1956, 3. Newspapers.com.

Another remodeling project was announced in the Spring of 1957 which included a new cocktail lounge with a coin arcade connecting to the Mardi Gras. A new glass entrance to the Carnival Room was constructed along Lincoln Alley measuring about 44 feet along with a marquee and neon sign. The grand opening was held July 3, 1957.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* July 2, 1957, 15. Newspapers.com.

The Mardi Gras Show Lounge was redone again in April of 1959, at which time the first sunken bar was installed in Reno. This bar curved around the base of the stage to make performers visible from every seat in the house. That August, Harrah’s was rumored to be interested in buying the Golden Bank Hotel and Casino but Bill Tomerlin, who lived in a penthouse and actually grew corn on the rooftop, insisted it would more likely be the other way around.

In early 1960, the Mardi Gras was refreshed with waterfalls bookending the newly enlarged stage. At that time, the keno bar was also updated with a venetian glass mosaic. The Bank Club closed for remodeling in December of 1960. It was redone in a clash of Victorian and Rococo styling with red and gold punctuated with brass and crystal chandeliers.

Bank Club Gay Nineties Saloon and Gambling Hall opened February 3, 1961. The Tomerlins added live entertainment to this venue, where it had previously been in the lounge only. Employees wore handmade Victorian costumes, which were all different.

*Nevada State Journal,* February 18, 1961, 22. Newspapers.com.

The Girl in the Gilded Cage was unveiled at the February 24 formal grand opening, which revealed (like, literally revealed) a true commitment to the Naughty Nineties. Ragtime pianist “Nickelodeon Jimmie” Kellogg provided the entertainment.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* February 23, 1961, 23. Newspapers.com.

Hotel, casino, and lounge remodeling projects were still in progress at that time. An elaborate revolving neon sign was installed in April of 1961. It was more than 50 feet tall and was said to weigh more than 8,000 pounds.

*Nevada State Journal,* April 9, 1961, 22. Newspapers.com.

The enlarged Mardi Gras Show Lounge reopened May 11, 1961. In addition to the gilded cage, there were girls on a swing under the Roaring 20s marquee. The main attraction that season was Barry Ashton’s “Playmates in Paris” with dancers who performed nude from the waist up. It caused quite a stir. A colorful rain curtain was added across the front of the lounge stage for the production of Ashton’s “Les Girls” in November of 1961.

The Mardi Gras Show Room closed again for remodeling to increase seating capacity to around 350 on January 3, 1962. Cafe La Rue, modeled after a Paris sidewalk, opened at the beginning of March.

*Nevada State Journal,* March 3, 1962, 24. Newspapers.com.

Ashton’s “Paris Playmates of ’62” opened March 22. Three tiers had been added to allow for better visibility in the Mardi Gras Show Room. The show included dancers inside a giant champagne bottle and glasses, “brimming over with pink flesh.” Food service was also added to the three nightly shows.

*Nevada State Journal,* March 22, 1962, 7. Newspapers.com.

Twelve days later, Hotel Golden was destroyed by a deadly fire. Like the one in 1912, this blaze started in the basement. Building engineer William H Smith reported a welding tank pressure gauge exploded as he prepped furnace cleaning brushes needing new handles. Smith attempted to extinguish the flames and cut the gas and electricity before being overcome by fumes. He was treated at a local hospital. Photos: Reno Fire Antique and Classic Apparatus, Inc.

Six people lost their lives, including 20-year-old Carol Maye Snelgrove, who was a “Paris Playmates” cast member. Other victims were hotel barbershop bootblack Nathaniel Banks, guests Gertrude Holbrook, Marie Colnar, and Walter Klitz, and permanent resident Lucia Pedlar. More than 20 people, including five firefighters, were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

Jon Wagner’s YouTube page has incredible footage of the blaze.

Those dreadful metal louvers covering the windows were blamed for hindering firefighters’ efforts. Survivor Margaret McCollum claimed there was no fire alarm on the fourth floor. She credited Golden security officer Paul Gallo with saving her life by carrying her through the smoke to safety. In an interview from his hospital bed, Gallo claimed Reno firefighter Lloyd Davidson saved them both. McCollum was apparently the last guest out of the building before it fully collapsed. Gallo, left unemployed after the fire, was later arrested and charged with armed robbery and vehicle theft.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* April 3, 1962, 6. Newspapers.com.

The neighboring Dondero Building, home of Harrah’s Bingo, was demolished due to severe structural damage. Numerous lawsuits were filed against the hotel and its owners. Meanwhile, Reno building codes were changed to disallow louvers and other window coverings.

The Tomerlins hired architect Martin Stern of Beverly Hills to design a new entertainment, casino, and hotel complex. This project was planned to be constructed in multiple phases with the ground floor casino being the first priority.

*Nevada State Journal,* May 25, 1962, 1. Newspapers.com.

Construction of Phase One began in November of 1962.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* June 28, 1963, 23. Newspapers.com.

A grand opening was held in the Golden Casino’s Carnival Room on July 3, 1963 with entertainment by Buddy Greco and Helen Boice. Not even Phase One was fully completed at this time. Cafe La Rue began serving food a few weeks later and the basement barber shop opened on August 23. Plans called for a three-story parking garage above the casino and entertainment spaces and the steel framing was in place.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* July 4, 1963, 8. Newspapers.com.

Meanwhile, retired Golden bartender Charles “Chick” LaMonte had a couple fountains installed at his home which were made using glass salvaged from the demolition debris.

*Nevada State Journal,* August 8, 1963, 12. Newspapers.com.

The basement Gourmet Room opened September 26, 1963 and “Paris Playmates” returned to the Golden that October in the Carnival Room. Phase Two, the Mardi Gras Theatre Restaurant, didn’t open until June 30, 1964. Barry Ashton was back again with his new “Mardi Gras Follies” in an enlarged space with seating for 500. This floor had four tiers instead of three. The stage had a hydraulic lift, rain curtain, steam curtain, and a portable ice rink for good measure.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* May 27, 1964, 17. Newspapers.com.

Rumors that the Golden had been sold were flying by December of 1964. The Tomerlin brothers issued denials and said that was all news to them. The Mardi Gras Room was completely redecorated that month in a Japanese theme for the December 23 opening of “Hello, Tokyo.”

Work on Phase Three, the parking garage above the casino, was supposed to begin in the Spring of 1965. The steel girders for the parking levels still extended upward from the main floor. Phase Four was to cover the convention center, pool deck, and health clubs. The 24-floor hotel tower was planned for Phase Five. None of those things happened under Tomerlin ownership.

By February of 1966, rumors were again floating about the Golden being for sale. A piece in the March 16, 1966 Nevada State Journal included quotes from both William Harrah and William Tomerlin denying any agreement had been reached.

However, Harrah and the Tomerlins announced that Harrah’s had signed a five-year lease on the Golden the evening of March 28, 1966. This deal was effective April 1 and the Golden closed for business the morning of March 29. At that time, William Tomerlin stressed that it was only a lease, with an option to renew, and the brothers did not intend to sell the property.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* March 29, 1966, 1. Newspapers.com.

The Golden’s sign was removed on April 7, 1966. Harrah’s Reno Theatre Restaurant held a grand opening on June 20, 1966, which was the 20th anniversary of Harrah’s in downtown Reno. Eddie Fisher headlined the event.

*Nevada State Journal,* June 20, 1966, 2. Newspapers.com.

The former Mardi Gras became known as the Headliner Show Room.

*Nevada State Journal,* June 21, 1966, 10. Newspapers.com.

Bill Harrah announced plans for a 24-story hotel on January 10, 1968. Its design appeared to have been recycled from the plans created by Martin Stern back in 1962. In fact, Stern was rehired for the project. Construction would begin in early Spring.

Harrah’s Hotel Downtown Reno, postcard. Published by Harrah’s Club, 1969. Author’s collection.

Harrah’s 24-story tower became Reno’s tallest building. The first event to be held in the new Harrah’s Hotel was a members-only gathering of The Prospectors club on October 9, 1969 in their space on the fourth floor.

*Reno Evening Gazette,* October 10, 1969, 7. Newspapers.com.

The hotel officially opened for business the following day. At that time, work hadn’t been completed on about 40 percent of the upper floors. Danny Thomas headlined the formal dedication on November 8, 1969. Harrah’s Reno opened its new convention center on May 19, 1970.

Bill Harrah died in June of 1978 and Holiday Inn bought Harrah’s in 1980. The business has been sold and spun off and reorganized several times since then. Those corporate maneuvers are widely accessible on the interwebs. In addition, Harrah’s expanded several times to take up the better part of two full blocks downtown.

The Headliner Room was renamed Sammy’s Showroom in honor of Sammy Davis, Jr. who died May 16, 1990. Jay Leno performed the night of the dedication, April 19, 1991, with repeat performances April 20-21.

*Reno Gazette-Journal,* April 18, 1991, 68. Newspapers.com

In January of 2020, it was announced that Harrah’s Reno was being sold to Reno City Center, LLC. The facility was ordered closed by the governor that March due to COVID and the deed was officially recorded in September of 2020. Reno City Center filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 16, 2024 with the case being dismissed on February 26, 2025. There have been hard feelings and probably some strongly worded letters.

I won’t attempt to describe the cast of characters doing the partner hokey pokey in this saga. It’s extremely convoluted. As of this writing, the project has been rebranded as Revival Reno. There have been many, many plans…with jazz hands. The project had a developer, until it didn’t. Tommy Ahlquist of Ahlquist, LLC exited stage left this December. As of right now, the property sits in limbo.

This is how the site of the former Hotel Golden looks today:

I randomly selected Hotel Golden from a batch of vintage postcards with the idea that I learn a new city best by digging into its history. This choice was made with zero knowledge about the fire or its evolution into the Harrah’s property. Now that I know, I’m very interested in what happens next.

You can catch up on the first two parts of the Hotel Golden series by clicking the links below:

Hotel Golden: A Three-Story Beginning

Hotel Golden: The Prodigal Son Returns

Many thanks to Reno Fire Antique and Classic Apparatus, Inc. and the University of Nevada, Reno Special Collections and University Archives Department for graciously allowing me to use historical images in this series.

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December 29, 2025 0

Hotel Golden: The Prodigal Son Returns

The first installment of this series covered the Hotel Golden from its beginning as a three-story structure through Charles Sadleir’s tenure as Manager.

Frank Golden, Jr. served in the US Army from June 8, 1918 until August 1, 1919. After his discharge, he worked for the Vulcan Oil Company in Tiffin, Texas and also spent time in San Francisco. Golden then returned to Reno upon Sadleir’s resignation in December of 1924 to resume management of his father’s old hotel.

A young man in military uniform sitting casually, smiling at the camera. — “Frank Golden, Jr.” Reno, A Book of Short Stories and Information, by Lilyan Stratton Corbin, Colyer Printing Company, 1921, p. 269.

Another 60-room addition was completed in 1926 and the annex was remodeled and enlarged in 1929. Hotel Golden received all new walnut furniture in 1930.

The Golden’s Reichel automatic fire alarm system successfully detected a series of fires in the hotel’s metal garbage chute in the early 1930s. No damage was caused to the building from the four instances I counted.

Vintage advertisement for Hotel Golden highlighting its Reichel Automatic Fire Alarm System, detailing fire detectors in each room and direct connection to the fire department. — *Nevada State Journal,* January 6, 1933, 6. Newspapers.com.

In 1935, the old section of the Golden was modernized. At that time, the lobby shrank a bit to make room for a separate bar and an expanded restaurant and kitchen. Air conditioning was added to the lobby, bar, and dining areas.

A historical advertisement for Hotel Golden in Reno, Nevada, highlighting its amenities, including 250 rooms, modern furniture, dining facilities, and various services. — *Nevada State Journal,* June 30, 1935, 15. Newspapers.com.

Due in large part to twelve of his banks failing during the Great Depression, George Wingfield became personally bankrupt in December of 1935. Reno Securities Company was entangled in all of that as a loan guarantor, causing Crocker National Bank of San Francisco to assume ownership of the company and thus, Hotel Golden.

Historical postcard of Center Street in Reno, Nevada, featuring the Hotel Golden and surrounding buildings, with vintage cars and pedestrians. — Center Street Looking North, Reno, Nevada, 7A-H902, postcard. Published by Curt Teich & Co., 1937. Author’s collection.

In early 1937, Frank Golden became ill and was away from work for about two months. He returned toward the end of May but resigned in July of 1937. Golden expected to spend two or three months at his Lake Tahoe vacation home. He was replaced by co-managers Gordon Davey and Earl Harrington.

Crocker National Bank kept Wingfield on the payroll as what amounted to an executive manager of the Golden and Riverside hotels. On September 1, 1937, Wingfield announced he had regained control of Reno Securities Company.

Work was constantly being done on various sections of the building. The newly remodeled Golden Coffee Shop operated by William Pappas opened in June of 1939. This space seated 60 and featured a large, refrigerated show window.

Advertisement for the Golden Coffee Shop and Dining Room, featuring details about the cafe's interior and dining offerings, located in the Golden Hotel in Reno, Nevada. — *Nevada State Journal,* June 4, 1939, 11. Newspapers.com.

This photo from 1940 shows the Hotel Golden with painted friezes below the cornice. The entire brick façade also appears to be painted with spots, possibly an optical illusion.

Black and white photo of a historic street scene featuring the Hotel Golden, Northern Club, and Bank Club with vintage cars parked along the road. — [Center Street, Reno, Nevada UNRS-P1988-63-194.tif collection_4645], Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno.

Hotel Golden was sold to a new entity called Golden Securities Company in November of 1946. John V Mueller was President and the hotel was leased to James H Lloyd. The bar and restaurant were to be operated separately.

A newspaper clipping detailing the transfer of ownership of the Golden Hotel by Reno Securities Co. to Golden Securities Co., including information on the location of the hotel. — *Nevada State Journal,* November 13, 1946, 6. Newspapers.com.

However, Golden Securities then announced the building would undergo extensive remodeling with the lobby decorated in a western theme. Lloyd took over management of the Golden Coffee Shop effective December 1, 1946. Gordon Davey and Earl Harrington stayed on but only as managers of the Rooms Department. Lessees were only given a couple weeks to vacate the premises.

Advertisement for Goldwater Jewelry Co. announcing a forced business closure sale with items at half price, including jewelry, watches, and luggage. The notice outlines the terms and conditions related to the business closure. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* November 20, 1946, 11. Newspapers.com.

The entire transition could have been handled better.

"SORRY FOLKS" notice announcing closure of the business, expressing gratitude to patrons and indicating hope to relocate, signed by Victor Petroni, formerly of the Golden Hotel Bar. — *Nevada State Journal,* December 5, 1946, 11. Newspapers.com.

Golden Gulch, which had a bingo parlor, gaming room, and bar, opened on June 14, 1947.

Vintage advertisement for the Grand Opening of Golden Gulch Bingo at Hotel Golden, featuring game details and staff names. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* June 13, 1947, 17. Newspapers.com.

A formal grand opening event was held June 27 followed by the Golden Wheel penny casino grand opening on July 12, 1947. The old hotel safe, which had survived the basement fall in the original fire, was moved into storage in August of 1947.

A man is seen handling the heavy vault door of the Hotel Golden, with the hotel's name prominently displayed on the door. — *Nevada State Journal,* August 28, 1947, 6. Newspapers.com.

It was somewhat inaccurately reported that Hull Hotels, controlled by Thomas E Hull and his sister, Sally Lewis Crofwell, acquired controlling interest of Golden Securities Company in June of 1948. Regardless, Hull hired architect Frank W Green to completely overhaul the Golden into something both the Journal and Gazette called “gaudy.”

The main floor transformation included approximately 30,000 square feet of casino, bar, and restaurant space costing around $300,000, depending on whose version of the agreement you believe. A new entrance with approximately 172 feet of Herculite glass was installed. The casino was decorated in a sort of Virginia City western theme. There was a giant kidney-shaped bar and the space had a golden ceiling, of course.

This was done even though the ground floor had just been remodeled the year before. Hull also had the three upper floors redecorated. At the time, it was said to be the most expensive remodeling project in Nevada’s history.

Center Street and Hotel Golden, Reno, Nevada, 9B-H286, postcard. Published by Curt Teich & Co., 1949. Author’s collection.

A gala premiere was held at the new Golden Club with its theatre restaurant on October 7, 1948 and was by all accounts well-attended.

Advertisement for the gala premiere of 'Grandfather's Follies' at Reno's Golden Club, featuring a flamboyant dancer in a theatrical outfit and promoting nightly dancing events. — *Nevada State Journal,* October 7, 1948, 13. Newspapers.com.

However, Hull’s tenure was short-lived. Contractors went unpaid and liens were in place for more than $350,000. Hull left Reno in January of 1949 and his publicist had no comment. James Lloyd stepped in to manage the Golden once again as Hull faced multiple lawsuits.

At that time, Golden Securities announced Hull was no longer associated with the hotel or the company as an executive or as a shareholder. In court documents, the company further attested that Hull had not, in fact, acquired 51 percent ownership of the company. He had simply taken an option but had never actually followed through with the purchase. Hull had subleased the hotel personally from Lloyd and then subleased it again to El Rancho Reno, Inc., a subsidiary of Hull Hotels. Since El Rancho hired the construction companies, Golden Securities’ position was that they had no legal obligation to pay any of it. Bolstering their argument was documented evidence that they had posted signs on the property during construction stating the project was in no way connected to Golden Securities.

El Rancho was bankrupt and went into receivership. The lawsuits dragged on until September of 1950, when Hull finally settled his debts with a significant assist from the Bank Club. Creditors were over the moon about receiving 100 cents on the dollar in a bankruptcy case, which never happens. Everything was totally, one hundred percent legit.

That same month, Bugsy Siegel’s alleged friend, Joseph “Doc” Stacher, withdrew his gaming license application and had his shares in the Hotel Golden and the Bank Club bought out by James McKay and William Graham. Stacher still held a mortgage on the property, however. Totally legit.

In March of 1952, it was announced that Frank Hofues bought the Hotel Golden and neighboring Bank Club. Hofues was to take possession May 1 but the ugliest remodeling project you can imagine began that same month.

Black and white vintage photo of the Golden Hotel and Bank Club in Reno, with signage visible on the building facade and parked cars in front. — *Nevada State Journal,* March 11, 1952, 14. Newspapers.com.

Architect Edward Fickett’s design of the New Golden included horrendous metal louvers over the windows along with a streamlined façade.

Postcard depicting the exterior of The Golden Bank Casino in Reno, featuring the sign of the Bank Club and a coffee shop entrance. — The Golden Bank Casino, Reno’s Finest Entertainment Center, K7203, postcard. Published by Colourpicture Publishers, Inc., circa 1952. Author’s collection.

The club and casino closed for about ten weeks. Hofues completely remodeled the interior with colorful plastics and confetti finish on the walls. A door was also opened between the Golden and the Bank Club. The grand opening was held May 28, 1952 with headliner Cab Calloway. Work on the hotel floors continued throughout the summer.

Advertisement for the grand opening of the New Golden Hotel and Casino in Reno, featuring highlights like newly decorated rooms and entertainment shows. — *Nevada State Journal,* May 28, 1952, 17. Newspapers.com.

By February of 1954, negotiations were once again underway for an ownership transfer of the New Golden. That’s where we’ll pick up in the last installment of this series. Click here to read Part One.

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December 15, 2025 0

Hotel Golden: A Three-Story Beginning

209-221 N Center Street – Reno, Nevada

I know what you’re thinking; Hotel Golden was a four-story building. That is correct, but it didn’t start out that way. When I started reading about this building, I saw it had been covered extensively and I wasn’t sure I would have anything new to add. Then I noticed some discrepancies.

Francis Bernard “Frank” Golden owned a jewelry store at the corner of Second and Virginia Streets in Reno plus some very successful mining claims in Tonopah. In March of 1903, Golden announced he had hired architect Morrill J Curtis of Holesworth, Curtis and Co. to design a new three-story brick building to be constructed on the west side of Center Street between Commercial Row and Second Street.

A historical newspaper article announcing the construction of a three-story brick building in Reno, Nevada, by Frank Golden, detailing its design, cost, and planned features. — *Daily Nevada State Journal,* March 17, 1903, 7. Newspapers.com.

Golden wanted a four-story building but there was a debate over whether Reno fire protection was sufficient for that additional level. Plumbing bids were solicited for the Nevada Block in August of 1903.

A newspaper clipping announcing bids for plumbing fixtures for the New Golden Building, known as the Nevada Block, with a deadline of August 25th. — *Daily Nevada State Journal,* August 15, 1903, 5. Newspapers.com.

Ground floor spaces were completed first so Golden could begin collecting rent from business owners. Those rooms were ready in early January of 1904 with Vitagraph Theatre Company opening January 16. The Reno Evening Gazette moved to the Nevada Block January 24, 1904.

Historical newspaper article announcing the relocation of the Reno Evening Gazette to the Nevada Block on Center Street. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* January 24, 1904, 2. Newspapers.com.

The May 1904 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the incomplete three-story brick Nevada Block at 209-221 Center Street. A wooden porch extended along the back of the building. The interior had iron-clad ceilings and wire glass skylights. It was noted that offices and rooms were to be built upstairs.

Other building occupants included Chris Mason’s Coronado Saloon, East Reno Land Company, and the Viavi Company. Workingman’s Friend clothing store opened the morning of October 15, 1904.

A vintage newspaper advertisement announcing the opening of 'Workingman's Friend', a new store located at 211 Center St. in Reno, promoting equality in treatment for all customers. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* October 14, 1904, 5. Newspapers.com.

John L Herron and Al North leased the Nevada Block from Frank Golden in December of 1904 so they could open a new establishment called the Hotel Golden. The building was reconfigured with offices on the first floor. Hotel Golden opened February 1, 1905 with 96 rooms boasting electric lights, steam heat, and hot and cold water.

A vintage newspaper article announcing the grand opening of Hotel Golden in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the festivities and positive reception from attendees. — *Daily Nevada State Journal,* February 2, 1905, 1. Newspapers.com.

In 1906, Hotel Golden claimed to be the largest hotel in Nevada.

Advertisement for Hotel Golden, the largest hotel in Nevada, detailing features such as electric lighting, steam heating, and hot and cold water in rooms. — *City Directory of Reno and Sparks 1906*, 171. Published by Barndollar Durley,
21 E. Second Street, Reno, Nevada.

The May 1906 Sanborn still shows a three-story building with commercial spaces on the ground floor. A brick structure for heating had been added between the hotel and the alley.

Plans for a fourth story addition were announced in July of 1906. At the same time, the building was expanded to fill the lots all the way to the alley. This added approximately 100 rooms and 48 bathrooms to the hotel as well as commercial spaces along the alley.

A newspaper article announcing plans for a fourth story addition to Hotel Golden, detailing the expected improvements and modernization of the hotel. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* July 19, 1906, 8. Newspapers.com

A second contract was let in November of 1906 for an extensive lobby remodeling project, at which time walls were removed where the Golden Grille was previously located to create a “metropolitan” lobby.

The quality of this image is horrendous but I have been unable to locate another photo of this building prior to the fourth-floor addition.

Historic image of Hotel Golden on Center Street, Reno, showcasing a four-story brick building with visible windows and signage, taken prior to its fourth-floor addition. — *Nevada State Journal,* Industrial Section, December 23, 1906, 21. Newspapers.com.

Because the hotel remained open during the expansion, a wooden superstructure was built along the front of the hotel in February of 1907 to protect pedestrians from falling debris as the fourth floor was constructed.

Frank Golden assumed management of the hotel business when Al North relocated to Goldfield in January of 1908. An elevator was installed that March.

A vintage newspaper clipping discussing the installation of a new elevator in the Hotel Golden, highlighting its convenience for guests and staff who previously walked multiple flights of stairs. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* March 3, 1908, 2. Newspapers.com.

This photo from July 4, 1910 shows the updated four-story Hotel Golden.

Crowd gathered on Center Street in Reno, Nevada, on July 4, 1910, during the Day of Jeffries and Johnson Fight, with buildings and storefronts visible in the background. — [Center Street, Reno on Day of Jeffries and Johnson Fight UNRS-P1992-01-8633.tif collection_1933], Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno.

Frank Golden died December 9, 1911 (rather than in 1914 as generally reported) at only 49 years of age. There was another Frank Golden who died in Nevada in 1914 but he was around 60 and was not a man of means.

Image of a newspaper article titled 'GOLDEN REMAINS ARRIVE TUESDAY' discussing the remains of Frank Golden being brought back to Reno for burial. — *Nevada State Journal,* December 11, 1911, 6. Newspapers.com.

Not that things were going great financially for our Frank at the time of his death. There were some bank failures as well as large mortgages. There was also an outstanding debt to a contractor which seems to have stemmed from a dispute over whether the fourth floor of the hotel was built as per the terms of the contract. First National Bank of San Francisco made a claim for more than $120,000 in early 1912 and it only got uglier from there.

Newspaper article titled 'BIG CLAIM ON GOLDEN BLOCK' discussing a claim against the estate of Frank Golden related to a mortgage on the Golden Hotel in Reno, Nevada. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* March 5, 1912, 1. Newspapers.com.

Widow Mamie L Golden and son, Frank Jr., managed the hotel as the estate went through probate. Mamie attempted to fight the judgment which had been awarded to contractor Eugene Schuler prior to her husband’s death but a sheriff’s sale of the Nevada Block was ordered in February of 1915.

Reno Evening Gazette, February 24, 1915, 8. Newspapers.com.
Reno Evening Gazette, February 24, 1915, 8. Newspapers.com.
Reno Evening Gazette, February 24, 1915, 8. Newspapers.com.

First National Bank of San Francisco redeemed the judgment and took possession of the building, which was then sold to Reno Securities Co. in October of 1915. Former Riverside manager Clarence Farnsworth was announced as manager of the Hotel Golden at that time.

Reno Evening Gazette, October 23, 1915, 1. Newspapers.com.
Reno Evening Gazette, October 23, 1915, 1. Newspapers.com.

Frank Jr. was brought back to manage the hotel in April of 1916 after Farnsworth resigned.

Newspaper clipping announcing Frank Golden as the manager of the Hotel Golden, detailing his popularity and experience in the hotel industry. — *Nevada State Journal,* April 9, 1916, 1. Newspapers.com.

A fire gutted the basement and first floor of the Nevada Block on October 11, 1916. Five hotel rooms were “wrecked” on the second floor. The Golden safe went through the floor to the basement and was recovered without damage. Fortunately, no one was injured and the hotel continued operating while management made plans for repairs.

An advertisement for Hotel Golden, stating it is open to guests with limited availability, featuring rooms on the second floor with lights, cold water, and upcoming extensive alterations. — *Nevada State Journal,* October 12, 1916, 8. Newspapers.com.

A “modern” lobby with tile floors replaced the one gutted in the fire. At that time, the stairs between the lobby and second floor were relocated near the elevator. Previously, the staircase had been just inside the front doors.

W. S. Elliott bought a third of the Hotel Golden in May of 1918 leaving George Wingfield and H. G. Humphery with the other two shares.

A newspaper article headline announcing Ole Elliott's acquisition of a one-third interest in the Golden Hotel, discussing the management and ownership structure. — *Reno Evening Gazette,* May 20, 1918, 8. Newspapers.com.

Frank Jr. left for Leon Springs, Texas that June to join the Army Signal Service in World War I. He had raced motorcycles for a few years and became part of the Motorcycle Corps. Charles J Sadleir was hired to replace him.

I can’t get into all of the details about the various expansions into neighboring lots or this thing will never be finished. However, George Wingfield announced the purchase of the old Russ House in January of 1920 with long-term plans for hotel additions. A building permit was issued in September of 1922 and the existing Hotel Golden was remodeled at the same time. The new addition opened in June of 1923.

In the next installment of this three-part series, I’ll discuss Charles Sadleir’s resignation in December of 1924 and his very familiar replacement.

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December 1, 2025 3

Central Hotel Then and Now

317 1/2 Walnut / Gunsmoke Street

I thought writing about the Central Hotel would be a pretty simple exercise but because what we commonly think of as one building is actually two separate structures, constructed in different years, it’s a bit confusing.

Many of you already know that Walnut Street between Second and Third Avenues was residential until after the turn of the 20th century. Street numbers were standardized around 1909 and the 1911 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map is the first to show both the old and new addresses. At that time, a large frame dwelling was situated at the southeast corner of Third and Walnut and the two lots to the east were empty, aside from a tiny frame building.

Brothers George and John Martin constructed a building located at 313-315 Walnut for their Chandler and Cleveland auto dealership in 1921.

*The Dodge City Journal,* September 8, 1921

That October, it was announced that the City Fire and Police departments would be relocated to the east end of the building at 313 Walnut. The large house still stood on the corner. By 1923, an establishment called the Central Rooms was advertised above the fire station.

The 1926 Sanborn was published in September of that year, the same month it was announced that George Martin was building an adjacent structure at the corner of Third and Walnut. This addition would expand the Central Rooms to a total of 26.

Clevenger Battery & Electric Company occupied the corner space when the building was completed in December of 1926.

At that time, the upstairs business was still called Central Rooms and it boasted first class, modern rooms with steam heat.

*Dodge City Daily Globe,* December 10, 1926

By 1928, W. V. and Stella Frankenstein were operating Frankenstein’s Permanent Wave Shoppe from a room in the establishment, which had been renamed Central Hotel.

*Dodge City Daily Globe,* October 1, 1928

Tire Service Company began occupying the corner spot around 1929.

By 1936, Owens Service Station was operating on the corner with the tire business next door. Leroy Bretz bought the station in May of 1937 and was joined by Dowdy Brothers Transfer.

Around 1938, B. L. Sullivan assumed operation of the service station and renamed it Sullie’s. In February of 1939, Sullivan was building a new service station at the northeast corner of Third and Walnut where the Fidelity Drive-Thru branch is today. Once it was completed, the space at 319 Walnut was used for storage.

*The Dodge City Journal,* February 16, 1939

Shown here is the Central Hotel along with Sullie’s “The World’s Worst Service Station” and Salem’s Furniture.

Photo courtesy Ford County Historical Society

By 1946, 313 Walnut had begun its long run as a haircare establishment with Creech Barber Shop and House of Beauty. The following year, Murphy Radio Service and Service Electric were in the spot at 315 Walnut. The next door down was Dodge City Shoe Shop. There was also a split in the hotel accommodations with the Boot Hill Tourist Lodge occupying the east end of the second floor.

Postcard courtesy Kansas Heritage Center

Central Hotel’s street address became 317 1/2 Walnut at that time. By 1953, the east end had been renamed Boot Hill Hotel and the establishment on the corner was Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop. Flowers by Irene was established at 315 Walnut. Boot Hill Hotel became Boot Hill Apartments sometime between 1953 and 1955.

This parade photo of Jim Arness shows the signage along newly renamed Gunsmoke Street.

Photo courtesy Ford County Historical Society Studio de Lari Collection

Walnut became Gunsmoke Street in 1958 and hotel materials were updated accordingly.

Room card courtesy Kansas Heritage Center

Central Hotel was vacant by the mid-1970s but the Boot Hill Apartments soldiered on for a couple more decades. Maid-Rite was replaced by Jan’s Coffee Shop around 1977 and then Pit Bar-B-Q about a year after that. The corner space then sat vacant until Brier & Hale Music Co. of Liberal opened their Dodge City store around 1980.

In the 1990s, 317 Gunsmoke was occupied by Rusty Nail Boot & Saddle Repair. They moved to a place on Wyatt Earp in about 1997. Around 2005, Flowers by Irene was replaced by Creative Creations at 315 Gunsmoke. A few different grocery stores operated in the space at 317 including Fruteria La Industria. About that time, Gunsmoke Antiques was located at 315.

Brier and Hale closed around 2016, at which time Tri-County Insurance was next door at 317 Gunsmoke. Red Beard Coffee opened at 319 Gunsmoke in December of 2017. New Creation Gift Boutique is currently at 315 and Pure Beauty is next door to the east in a spot which has been dedicated to haircare for decades.

This is how the former Central Hotel looks today:

It has been fun to watch the changes taking place in the old hotel spaces as well as the revived main floor storefronts. I’m including a link here to one of the VRBO listings so you can see what has been done with the upstairs rooms.

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October 28, 2024 0

Grove Hotel Then and Now

107 N Second Avenue

Usually, I choose to write about buildings when I stumble across old photos and wonder about their histories. In this case, I began researching an old hotel building and spent months trying to locate a photo to prove it existed.

Once upon a time, a small creek crossed Second Avenue between Maple and Pine Streets. The 1884 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows an empty lot directly south of this creek on the west side of Second Avenue.

It is believed that brothers James and William Weeks of Kinsley built four adjoining wood frame buildings on those lots south of the creek around 1885. The brothers were in the cattle business and built a successful lumber yard south of the railroad tracks.

B. Harris & Co. from Warrensburg, Missouri opened a hide business in the northernmost building in January of 1886.

*The Dodge City Times,* February 4, 1886

N. G. Healy & Co. bought the hide business in May of 1887, at which time Harris relocated to St. Louis. The 1887 Sanborn shows a row of wood frame structures from 208-211 2nd Avenue with only the hide house occupied. By 1892, all but the south part of the building was used for grain storage.

It is said that John Ridenour had the two south buildings dismantled and transported to his place northwest of town, where he used the lumber to construct a home. The 1899 Sanborn shows only the two north sections at 210-211 Second Avenue remained, which were being used as a boarding house.

Albert and Laura Fasig bought the boarding house and opened the Grove Hotel in May of 1902.

The 1905 Sanborn shows the creek and bridge had disappeared. It is unclear why but I did find stories about wells drilled into the underflow which fed it, and that water could have simply been used up.

Albert Fasig died in January of 1910 and Laura advertised the 21-room Grove Hotel for sale that September. A couple of deals fell through and Robert and Zella Covalt of Emporia assumed operations by May of 1911. By this time, the block had been renumbered and the address was 107 Second Avenue.

The Covalts apparently had some miscommunications because Robert was arrested the following month after being accused of forging his wife’s name on a mortgage.

There were a lot of comings and goings. Zella divorced Robert, who had problems with alcohol, but it appears she still managed the hotel off and on even after putting it up for sale in July of 1914. Zella said she wanted to leave the area due to her health but the Grove remained on the market for quite some time.

In the meantime, Dodge City attempted to clean up its appearance. A “bullet scarred” sidewalk in front of the Grove was ordered removed in December of 1914. In reality, the holes in the iron sidewalk were from rivets rather than bullets. The metal had been repurposed from an old standpipe.

*The Dodge City Daily Globe,* December 31, 1914

W. H. Hampton (Bud’s father) bought the Grove Hotel in May of 1915 with plans for a complete renovation.

*The Dodge City Daily Globe,* May 10, 1915

This photo is a somewhat grainy copy of the original. It appears someone attempted to enhance the lettering above the entrance of the hotel.

Photo courtesy Ford County Historical Society Robert E Eagan Collection

The end of the Grove Hotel came in September of 1926 when the uninsured building was severely damaged in a fire.

*The Southwest News,* September 23, 1926

From that point on, the building was once again used for a variety of commercial businesses including the South Side Barber Shop.

The 1932 Sanborn shows a new rail siding had been installed across Second Avenue where the creek had once been.

The old hotel was home to a couple pool halls in the late 1930s and early ’40s. By 1947, it was occupied by Diehl’s Shoe Service and Coltran’s Upholstering. Clifford Coltran planned to restore some of the rooms in May of 1947 to celebrate Dodge City’s Diamond Jubilee. It is unclear whether his plans materialized.

*The Advance Register,* September 7, 1951

By 1953, Behee Mattress Company occupied the south part of the building. They were joined by Joe Gaut, owner of Gooch’s Shoe Shop by 1955. Gaut was the last tenant and the building was completely vacant after the flood of 1965. It was finally demolished in the 1970s.

This is how the former hotel site looks today:

The next time you’re driving south on Second Avenue, imagine how it looked before the flood completely altered the landscape.

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April 15, 2024 0