Social media campaign to post status updates on downtown

In numerous addresses to the community, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has made clear her view of 2012 as " the year of downtown." The opening of museums, Zappos' move into the former Las Vegas City Hall building on Stewart Avenue and hotel renovations are part of downtown's revitalization.

Goodman re iterated downtown's resurgence during a May 31 press conference at the Jackie Gaughan Plaza on Sixth Street in which representatives from the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance and businesses announced the Rediscover Downtown initiative, designed to attract locals to the area.

"We want to invite locals who haven't been downtown in awhile to come down and see what it has to offer," said Rich Worthington, alliance president and chief operating officer of The Molasky Group of Cos. "It's time to rediscover the heart of your city. It's time to rediscover downtown."

Rediscover Downtown launched as a social media campaign with an attempt to keep residents in the know about the area. A Rediscover Downtown Day, set to feature special events and offers for locals, is planned for Oct. 13.

Alex Epstein, El Cortez general manager, said working with representatives from other downtown businesses plays a large role in downtown's resurgence.

"I think for us, we're trying to keep with Jackie Gaughan's (former El Cortez owner) mission of, 'What's good for downtown is good for us,' " Epstein said. "We want to be a part of whatever's downtown. We would like to assist and be a part of whatever's going on."

The El Cortez is one of several hotels downtown to undergo renovations in recent years. Others include the Golden Nugget, Plaza and Golden Gate.

Mark Brandenburg, Golden Gate owner, believes it's important for locals to view the changes happening downtown, especially those who haven't visited the area in years.

"Las Vegas history is very different from any other city," Brandenburg said. "It's colorful, and I think the Golden Gate and the El Cortez represent that colorful Las Vegas history. If people come (downtown), they're going to rediscover something about the town they did not know and tell people who come to visit them about (the area)."

Downtown's newest attractions include the Mob Museum, Symphony Park and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Myron Martin, Smith Center CEO, believes the performing arts venue is a staple in the area's revitalization, especially for residents.

"The Smith Center was built for locals," Martin said. "The Smith Center opened at the same time of this downtown resurgence. We don't want to take the credit for it, but we've seen it start to transform the city like we've wanted to for 20 years."

Changes to downtown, however, prompted concerns from residents in terms of parking and crime.

Worthington addressed these concerns, citing records from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, indicating that crime in the area has decreased and that more than 47,500 parking spaces are available, according to Brandy Stanley, city parking services manager.

From the Fremont East Entertainment District bars to the museums along the Cultural Corridor, Goodman expressed her hope in seeing locals frequent these areas.

"This is an explosion of energy," Goodman said. "It is about downtown Las Vegas. This is the place to come open a new business or just come down to hang out. I wish we could all live another 150 years, because this is a great time (for downtown)."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.