Redevelopment Agency - 2025-12-17
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency approved three grants totaling $100,000 for property improvements in Redevelopment Area 1. White Whale LLC received $25,000 for exterior improvements at 111 Las Vegas Boulevard South (former Downtown Cocktail Room), while MVStar Group LLC received $75,000 combined ($50,000 unit improvement + $25,000 exterior) for rehabilitation of the historic Star Motel at 1418 South 3rd Street, the city's sixth oldest motel built in 1947.
Key Decisions (3)
CVIP Grant for White Whale at 111 Las Vegas Blvd South
Approved Commercial Visual Improvement Program agreement with Boar Hirsch LLC and Fundamentum LLC (dba White Whale) for exterior improvements at 111 Las Vegas Boulevard South, the former Downtown Cocktail Room in Fremont East Entertainment District. Grant of $25,000 against developer investment of $171,000 for new signage, artistic window wraps, and lighting repairs.
MFR-UIP Grant for Star Motel at 1418 South 3rd Street
Approved Multifamily Residential Unit Improvement Program agreement with MVStar Group LLC for interior rehabilitation of the Star Motel at 1418 South 3rd Street, the city's sixth oldest motel (built 1947). Grant of $50,000 for new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and paint as part of nearly $200,000 total investment.
MFR-VIP Grant for Star Motel Exterior at 1418 South 3rd Street
Approved Multifamily Residential Visual Improvement Program agreement with MVStar Group LLC for exterior improvements at the Star Motel, 1418 South 3rd Street. Grant of $25,000 for exterior rehabilitation work.
Development Activity (4)
White Whale Lounge
Conversion of former Downtown Cocktail Room into elevated craft cocktail lounge with speakeasy-style backspace. $171,000 private investment plus $25,000 RDA grant for exterior improvements including signage, window wraps, and lighting.
Star Motel Rehabilitation
Full interior and exterior rehabilitation of historic 1947 motel (city's sixth oldest). New kitchens, bathrooms, flooring throughout. Nearly $200,000 total investment with $75,000 in RDA grants. Property acquired two years ago at 40% occupancy, now being revitalized.
Arts District Parking Garage
New parking garage coming online next year, adjacent to Star Motel project.
Affordable Artist Housing
Planned affordable housing for artists across the street from Star Motel site.
Market Signals (4)
Commercial Demand
Fremont East Entertainment District continues to attract investment with new elevated lounge concepts targeting craft cocktail and speakeasy experiences.
Housing Demand
Investors are acquiring and rehabilitating older motels in the Arts District, with one developer noting successful conversion of motel units to Airbnb rentals.
Infrastructure
City infrastructure investments including new Arts District parking garage and planned affordable artist housing are catalyzing private investment in adjacent properties.
Sentiment
RDA actively supporting property rehabilitation through multiple grant programs (CVIP, MFR-UIP, MFR-VIP) with grants up to $75,000 combined per project.