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CommRow shuts down

 
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remano



Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Jan Thu 03, 2013 6:01 pm    Post subject: CommRow shuts down Reply with quote

While walking past CommRow at lunch time today I noticed things seemed pretty quiet, and not just because of the cold weather. There seemed to be no activity inside and a sign on the front door said something like "Enter through Commercial Row doors only."

Didn't sound good so I checked the RGJ web site and, sure enough, there was the article announcing the first floor has been closed to begin the next revamp of the project. In the long run it might not be so bad. They are upgrading the plumbing, moving more entertainment and dining venues to street level, and getting the hotel rooms ready to reopen. They hope to attract tourists looking for more active recreational opportunities, focusing on tours to Tahoe, the mountains etc. along with their climbing wall, trying to develop some retail outlets in some of their surrounding properties and, oh by the way, maybe, just maybe, a scaled down casino operation in there somewhere. I wish them well. The last thing Reno needs is another big empty building in the middle of everything.

Here's the article, if RGJ will allow access that is:

http://www.rgj.com/article/20130103/BIZ05/301030049/CommRow-downtown-Reno-shuts-down-1st-floor-starts-remodel
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Jan Thu 03, 2013 7:01 pm    Post subject: Keep on Rowing Reply with quote

This sounds interesting, quoting the RGJ arcticle Remano linked to,"CommRow ownership also plans to focus on the surrounding assets that it owns, which include properties such as the old Masonic building and Old Reno Casino. Potential plans include a scaled back gaming operation in one of the properties as well as retail or food and beverage operations for the space under the parking garage." Could this mean the Old Reno may be reborn? That'd be something to celebrate.

I tuned into the Virginia St webcam awhile back and actually saw someone scaling the CommRow wall. "Big deal," I thought, "John and I did that years ago while attempting to navigate from Shooters to the little Nugget for an "Awful Awful". (We just got a little lost that's all!)
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Jan Thu 03, 2013 8:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Closed for Remodeling" sign was in the window of the "KING'S INN" (between Silver Legacy & Sands) for at least 15 years.

http://photos.vegastripping.com/photo.php?photo=707
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stan_allen



Joined: 19 Dec 2005
Posts: 1129

PostPosted: Jan Thu 03, 2013 10:22 pm    Post subject: News: Commrow has baby, names it "Old Reno"... Reply with quote

Then we must hold out hope. What else have we? I have stated before, and I shall reiterate, that I wholly support Commrow and wish it the best, even though its themed attractions invite the cheapest sort of mockery. I second the motion that we need no more vacant buildings.

So while we're speculating on what that statement regarding "scaled-back gaming" is supposed to mean, let us fantasize that commrow resuscitates "Old Reno"!

Imagine if we could walk into the "Old Reno" building, with its original sign and find....an old smoky room, with watered-down drinks and even more watered-down slots.

It'd be Heaven on Earth - again!

Go, Commrow!
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Jan Fri 04, 2013 12:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the info Remano, and I apologize, I totally forgot that you live here too, hope to see you around and about sometime! I was wondering why it was so quiet over there. I'm thinking all those additions might spruce it up a bit. I've bumped into many people here that would love to see the Old Reno, or something of similar sorts, come back. I second Stan's motion of having no more vacant buildings in the area, and was actually a bit surprised that they didn't keep gaming of some sorts. Anxious to see how it all progresses for sure.

Mammothgambler
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remano



Joined: 20 Dec 2005
Posts: 717

PostPosted: Jan Sat 05, 2013 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mammoth - yeah, I work near downtown. Maybe we can meet for lunch sometime.

Everybody - one of CommRow's biggest improvements is going to be a new name. Any suggestions? El Capitan East is probably not under consideration, although everything else there has been so uninspired that it just might make the list.
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JD



Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 956

PostPosted: Jan Sat 05, 2013 8:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

How about, "Fitzgerald's"? I mean, no one is using it.
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Jan Sat 05, 2013 8:45 pm    Post subject: me too. Reply with quote

That would be my choice also, they could have a little person in a
green suit climbing the Wall. That would bring them in.
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Jan Sat 05, 2013 11:26 pm    Post subject: Me too Reply with quote

I vote for that name too! I'll even return my rooftop sign I bought at the auction.



Last edited by BC Dave on Jan Sun 06, 2013 12:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Crapsjunkie



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 40

PostPosted: Jan Sun 06, 2013 7:21 am    Post subject: Climbing Wall? Reply with quote

I wonder what % of the populations wants to scramble up the side of building. How about Reno re-inventing the Downtown Area into a reasonable Gambling Area? Maybe a Country Western Branson, Mo. style entertainment center? Naw, funky food and a climbing wall would work just fine. Not!

$1 Max Slots, $2 Blackjack. Beginners Casino?
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spdmrcht



Joined: 12 Oct 2012
Posts: 498

PostPosted: Jan Sun 06, 2013 9:12 am    Post subject: Me Think? Reply with quote

I think the main reason so many of the casinos have closed was
there was to much Skimming going on?
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BC Dave
Site Admin


Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 1592

PostPosted: Jan Sun 06, 2013 12:23 pm    Post subject: My theory Reply with quote

Reno lost it's popularity when Nevada lost it's virtual monopoly on gaming. The US tribal casinos and government casinos in Canada gave people the option to drive to a local casino instead of flying to Reno (or Vegas). Another blow was when the Canadian dollar fell below 2/3 the value of the US dollar. Canadians loved Reno and used to flock there in droves. Then the lasting recession hit. That hurt everything, especially "disposable" income. Vegas is doing better than Reno because of it's massive investment and warmer climate.
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dfens



Joined: 19 Jul 2012
Posts: 59

PostPosted: Jan Sun 06, 2013 11:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think the biggest challenge for Commrow is how they're going to value theiir rooms. If they don't have a competitive rate I don't see how they'll be able to challenge the other casino rates that give either comp rooms or heavily discounted rooms where the revenue can be made up on the gaming floor.

I am kind of excited for the opening though. I think I'm a target group of what Commrow would market to. I've climbed at Basecamp, tube on the Truckee, hike, run and do outdoor diversions when traveling. But other than staying at Commrow to see how it turned out I'd be a fool to turn down comp'd (or cheap) rooms located a block away.

Maybe Remano or Mammoth could verify this with what they experienced, but I didn't see the Commrow restaurants/bars even close to being busy last year. When there's cheap Cal-Neva food, buffets, Hash House, etc.. nearby it's difficult to justify heading to Commrow for a meal. Also, the bars are nice but the damn casinos next door are giving away the stuff for free.

The only time when I saw Commrow busy was when the clubs were going on Fri/Sat. Even that was questionable as some where 18+ events so you have kids (typically lacking in money) who can't even purchase alcohol

Please don't get the wrong impression. I hope Commrow knocks it out of the park and I'm 100 percent wrong!
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Mammothgambler



Joined: 25 Dec 2005
Posts: 619

PostPosted: Jan Mon 07, 2013 2:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi dfens, yeah I only tried the climbing wall a few times and had a burger at one of the places downstairs, I think it was the tiki bar or whatever they call it. Wasn't crowded at all, but then again, Lucky the Jackass keeps luring everyone into the Nugget (myself included!) And the Cal Neva, and The Hash House, and the buffets as you mentioned It would be nice if they could come up with a uniqueness/competitive edge to get the crowds rolling in.

Does anyone know if they've got any plans to remodel/update the rooms?

It was probably the meds, but right after I saw this thread the other night, I had a dream that whole souvenir shop building in front of the parking garage in between Harrah's and the Palace got converted into a brand new apartment complex and I was moving in! Woke up a few hours later, still in the Motel 6. Damn, it was only a dream!

Mammothgambler
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