Revival Files Unveil Old Harrah's Reno Bank Building Secrets

Major Renovation of Former Harrah’s Reno Hotel-Casino Begins

A significant renovation project is underway at the former Harrah’s Reno hotel-casino in downtown Reno. The developer has submitted two permits to the city, marking a new phase in the transformation of the site. These permits are part of the Reno Revival project, which was previously known as the Reno City Center project.

One of the permits focuses on the former Reno National Bank building, a classical revival-style structure designed by architect Frederic DeLongchamps and constructed in 1915. The permit includes demolition work for the upcoming development of the space, along with roof replacement. This building previously housed restaurants such as Planet Hollywood and Ichiban, and most recently, Starbucks. The coffee chain left the location this year after a dispute between former development partners CAI Investments and Gryphon Private Wealth Management. Starbucks described the move as a relocation, with all employees moving to a new store in south Reno that was previously occupied by Steak ‘n Shake.

New Restaurants and Gaming Concepts

The space previously occupied by Starbucks is now being redeveloped by Las Vegas-based Fine Entertainment. The company is expanding its restaurant and gaming concept to include the bank building. The new restaurants will feature PKWY Tavern, BLVD Grill, and the Mint, which are based on existing Fine Entertainment properties in Las Vegas. The designs for these establishments will incorporate an arcade bar concept, featuring traditional games like bowling and pool.

What makes Fine Entertainment’s Reno project unique compared to other arcade bars like Round1 and Dave & Buster’s—both of which have recently opened locations in Reno—is the addition of gambling. Fine Entertainment received approval for a gaming license in 2023 from the Nevada Gaming Commission and the city of Reno. This license was grandfathered in from the former Harrah’s Reno.

“We are just thrilled to have (Fine Entertainment) out of Las Vegas anchoring the entire first floor of our project,” said Tommy Ahlquist, president and CEO of Boise-based Reno Revival master developer Ahlquist. “They know what they’re doing. They activate their spaces. (Fine Entertainment co-founder Jonathan Fine is) an incredible guy with an incredible team and it’s been just wonderful working with him and getting him restarted here on the first floor.”

Parking Garage Improvements

In addition to the bank building, the Reno Revival project also filed a permit for the parking garage located on University Way. The work outlined in the permit includes repairs to the concrete floor, stairs, doors, garage columns, and the exterior facade. The permit also covers striping work on the first floor and the installation of new electrical systems.

The parking garage has been a topic of discussion during recent meetings of the Reno City Planning Commission. Concerns were raised about plans to limit access to the sky bridge connecting the garage to one of the Harrah’s Reno towers. A representative for the Reno Revival project explained that the sky bridge was not ADA compliant and that escalators would be removed to encourage more foot traffic toward the planned retail spaces.

Ahlquist highlighted the importance of the parking garage during a tour of the former Harrah’s Reno property in July. He noted that parking is often a challenge for large mixed-use projects. However, the Reno Revival project benefits from a 900-stall parking structure located across the street.

A Vision for Downtown Reno

The Reno Revival project is an ambitious effort to reimagine a downtown property spanning two city blocks. The plan includes adding residential, office, and commercial spaces such as restaurants and retail. Ahlquist emphasized that the parking structure is a key asset for the project.

“Parking is usually the constraining factor financially, but this project came with a 900-stall parking structure sitting right across the street,” Ahlquist said. “So it’s a fantastic way to activate this space.”