PRESERVING THE PAST TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE
City offi cials as well as residents anticipate exciting changes in Carson City’s historic downtown. An update to the Carson City master plan (known as Envision Carson City) calls for wider sidewalks, additional trees, small downtown retail stores to entice pedestrian traffic, expansion of off-street parking areas and other improvements designed to complement the small town look and feel of the city’s historic neighborhood.

V & T RAILROAD RESTORATION PROJECT
From a tourism viewpoint, one of the most exciting new developments throughout the region is the V & T Railroad rebuild project. The 17.5-mile restored section between Carson City and Virginia City is estimated to be complete within four years and may bring in as many as 200,000 tourists per year. Carson City has partnered with Virginia City to promote awareness and support for the undertaking. In fact, both cities have begun a Sisters in History promotional campaign touting the benefi ts of the project and of planning tandem visits to both communities.

Teixeira stresses the value of respect for the city’s historic landmarks and strives to keep such buildings and sites in tact. “The community is very sympathetic to keeping our town unique and historically special,” he says.

A BURGEONING ARTS COMMUNITY
The Brewery Arts Center, Western Nevada Community College, numerous galleries and non-profi t arts entities like the Capital City Arts Initiative not only provide a variety of art classes and instruction, but also routinely offer robust, nationally renowned, visual, performing and literary programming for area residents and visitors alike.

Carson City Visitors Bureau Executive Director Candy Duncan believes that the community “is in a real renaissance right now.”

ISSUES ON THE HORIZON: OPEN SPACE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Teixera also values natural resources and open space and believes they enhance quality of life in the community. Additionally, in an effort to provide affordable housing, much of the city’s new residential space will be managed with townhouses and condominiums.

“We won’t take federal land and build houses,” Teixera says. Carson City Supervisor Robin Williamson agrees.

“Carson City has an open space program that purchases land for preservation and public access,” Williamson says. “We have great parks and outdoor recreational facilities and are planning to increase and improve our hiking trails.”

From all viewpoints, Carson City is committed to working steadily toward a future of balanced growth, heritage tourism, cultural diversity and economic prosperity.

RESIDENT VIGNETTE: “I live and work within walking distance of the downtown,” Brooks said. “I live close to the Brewery Arts Center and the Governor’s Mansion. It’s an easy walk to events there. Sometimes I can even hear outdoor concerts from my home.” He has certainly seen a lot of changes take place over the years. “When I was a boy, I could walk down to the local general store,” he said. How does John Brooks feel about the new businesses which have been steadily coming into Carson City? “I try to shop as much as possible in Carson City,” he said.

“I still see the downtown as a great area for development and growth. I have lived in Carson City all my life and I plan to live here for the rest of my life. It’s a great community.”

– Carson City resident John Brooks is proud to share that he was born and raised in Carson City, Nevada. He is a third-generation Nevadan and is pleased with the way the city is handling its growth.