Velveteen Rabbit owner savors creative vibe of Juhl

“I’m calling it ‘Death Wish,’” said Pamela Dylag, Juhl resident and co-owner of the Arts District’s hottest bar, Velveteen Rabbit, commenting on her latest handcrafted cocktail. Mischievously mixing just the right amounts of gin, myrtle berry, rosemary gomme syrup, sherry and apple bitters to fashion a custom elixir for the bar’s seasonal fall cocktail menu, Dylag impishly adds the final touch — a piece of sugar paper on which is written the mystifying message: “You’ve been poisoned.”

A native Las Vegan, Pamela, along with her sister, Christina, launched Velveteen Rabbit on Main Street in 2013. Word spread quickly among locals of the magical space situated in the heart of the Las Vegas Arts District, where the community could gather for conversation while enjoying cocktails that boast fresh ingredients, a range of specialty beers, the work of downtown artists and the music of local musicians.

And now, after more than four years of commuting to work from various valley neighborhoods, Dylag is both a proud Arts District business owner and resident. In July, she purchased a one-bedroom residence at Juhl.

“I can leave my home and be mixing drinks behind the bar in five minutes. That’s both impressive and extraordinarily convenient,” she said.

“I love being part of a tightknit community like ours,” Dylag said. “The Arts District attracts a lot of people who have an interest in art. There’s a different vibe here. It’s an authentic culture, not manufactured. The Strip is great, but people aren’t necessarily going to know your name when you go into a bar there. Here, we have that familiarity with people. Guests tell me they feel like Velveteen Rabbit is their home, and that is the reason for it all.”

That welcoming feeling is exactly what Dylag was searching for when she decided to call Juhl home.

“I love Juhl’s Artist In Residence program,” she said. “Juhl is part of the creative community supporting the arts, artists and those who appreciate art.”

A lifelong dancer, Dylag gets a good feeling about her new home and her hometown, when the view through her floor-to-ceiling windows frames The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. She even finds a sense of creativity and community in overlooking City Hall.

“It’s really a very pretty building,” Dylag said. “But one of the best views is the evening sunsets from my balcony. It’s amazing how quiet it is. You’re living in the midst of art galleries, restaurants and nightlife, and yet it’s exceptionally peaceful.”

A thirty-something, avid globe-trotter, Dylag recently returned from a visit to Tasmania, where she was awed by the exhibits at the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in addition to partying at the local art and music festivals. Anticipating many more adventures in her future, Dylag wanted a home that gave her the flexibility to pack a bag, close the front door and leave town without worrying about security or maintenance. “For that reason, Juhl topped the list,” she said.

“I love my life at Juhl in the Arts District,” Dylag said. “There’s everything you need in the neighborhood — from yoga studios and art galleries to restaurants and boutique grocers. Anyone who hasn’t been downtown lately needs to check it out. And come on by the Velveteen Rabbit for a ‘Death Wish.’”

Juhl, which spans an entire city block in downtown Las Vegas, is an urban destination and a popular residential choice for professionals and entrepreneurs, especially many who work at firms and courthouses throughout downtown’s expansive legal community. Juhl encompasses multiple buildings, including a high-rise, mid-rise, brownstones, live/work spaces, retail spaces and a warehouse-style loft building.

Many of its residences can be customized via 130 unique floor plan configurations, including many that are one-of-a-kind within the property. Homes at Juhl range from 600 to just under 2,000 square feet and start in the high $100,000s.

Recently remodeled, Juhl boasts an upgraded resort-style pool with cabanas, lobby and co-op working spaces that cater to its professional residents. Hallmarks of Juhl include flexible floor plans, large terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light. Private balconies, 10-foot ceilings, energy-efficient design and details, exposed concrete surfaces and mechanicals and upgraded fixtures and surfaces combine to create Juhl’s cool, urban vibe.

Amenities include an al fresco movie theater; two-story fitness center with pool and Strip views; 10th-floor vino deck with Strip views; resort-style pool with cabanas, spa and fire pit; 24-hour security; gated parking structure with assigned resident parking; and full-service concierge.

A summer kitchen, called “Canvas Grill,” is the perfect spot for warm-weather entertaining. And a nearby Urban Garden plot exclusively for use by Juhl residents makes it possible to grow fresh herbs and vegetables in the heart of the city.

For more information, visit juhllv.com or call 702-816-5466. Juhl is at 353 E. Bonneville Ave.