Symphony Park might get skilled nursing center

A skilled nursing center with the trappings of an urban resort could be the next major addition to Symphony Park in downtown Las Vegas.

On Wednesday the City Council voted unanimously for an exclusive negotiating agreement that gives Citra Real Estate Capital of Marina Del Rey, Calif., six months to study the feasibility of developing a multi-phase project downtown.

Phase one would be a 160-bed skilled nursing center aimed at tapping a growing market of retired baby boomers in need of a higher level of care.

It would be operated by Country Villa of Los Angeles, which owns 50 centers in California and is seeking to expand into Nevada. The company is developing a facility in Henderson.

"Las Vegas is a very attractive place for seniors," said Michael Saltzman of Citra, citing low taxes, low cost of living and a warm climate. "What we are really going for is more of an urban resort type feel."

The project would include medical retail and office space and the potential 120 units of senior housing, said Bill Arent, the city's director of economic and urban development.

The Symphony Park location would put the project close to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Smith Center for Performing Arts in an area of downtown where city officials are using redevelopment funds to support projects.

Arent said Citra would pay market value for the property but could receive money back for environmental remediation at the site.

Councilman Bob Coffin said he liked the idea but wanted to make sure the proposed buildings wouldn't block views of the Smith Center, which city officials hail as an important and artistic addition to the downtown skyline.

"I don't want to see a building just go up and block it out," Coffin said.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.