Revitalization initiatives bringing new life to the Historic Westside community.
Las Vegas’ Historic Westside is undergoing significant revitalization aimed at restoring its vibrant community identity. With new developments, initiatives addressing food insecurity, and a focus on preserving history, efforts are being made to honor the area’s legacy while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Collaborative projects are underway, including community-driven development plans and a proposed casino complex designed to boost the local economy, all while addressing concerns regarding gentrification and displacement.
The Historic Westside in Las Vegas is experiencing revitalization efforts aimed at restoring its vibrant and self-sufficient community identity. This area, which once housed notable entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole, has seen a significant decline after the desegregation movement in the 1960s. New developments and community initiatives are now being implemented to enhance the quality of life for residents and preserve the neighborhood’s rich history.
The City of Las Vegas has unveiled the HUNDRED Plan, a comprehensive master plan focusing on community-driven development for the Historic Westside. Recent improvements like new sidewalks, streetlights, and trees on Jackson Avenue are part of these ongoing efforts. Additionally, the construction of the Historic Westside Education and Training Center and a redesign of the West Las Vegas Library are both set to contribute to the area’s redevelopment. While the library project is expected to be completed in 2026, the education center aims to provide resources for residents to enhance educational opportunities.
One of the pressing issues facing the community is food insecurity, with more than one in five residents lacking access to healthy food options. To combat this problem, the Obodo Collective, established in 2020, is working diligently to support basic needs for residents. A key initiative, the Obodo Greengrocer, was launched in February 2023 to supply locally grown produce, successfully harvesting over 1,000 pounds of food within its first year.
Historically, the area was home to the Moulin Rouge Hotel and Casino, the first integrated casino in the U.S. However, the site has now become a vacant lot due to years of neglect. Current plans include a proposed seven-story casino complex designed to revitalize the Historic Westside. This development will feature a gaming floor, a food hall, and retail space, with an expected creation of nearly 1,000 new jobs. The project aims to honor the legacy of the Moulin Rouge and become a landmark destination for the African American community.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the revitalization, residents have expressed mixed feelings about new developments, particularly the proposed casino complex. While many hope for economic growth and job creation, there are fears of gentrification and potential displacement due to rising property taxes. Project stakeholders have emphasized the establishment of a tax district intended to benefit the community financially, aiming to alleviate residents’ concerns about being displaced from their homes.
The council has highlighted the importance of ensuring that redevelopment respects and honors the Historic Westside’s rich heritage. Plans for an African-American Museum are underway, further enriching the cultural resources available to local residents. In December 2021, Legacy Park was opened to celebrate Black history in Southern Nevada, featuring installations honoring local figures and trailblazers significant to the community.
The revitalization initiatives are the result of collaborative efforts between local government and community leaders, designed to connect the historic legacy of the area with future growth. Residents and leaders remain hopeful that the ongoing developments will improve the community’s quality of life while ensuring that longtime inhabitants benefit from the changes without displacement.
As revitalization efforts in the Historic Westside gain momentum, the focus remains on economic development, community needs, and preserving a rich cultural history that is vital to Las Vegas. The collaboration between stakeholders and the community paves the way for a brighter future for all residents in the Historic Westside.
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