The Attic may not survive explosion aftermath
Mayra Politis has less than 90 days to come up with enough money to save her downtown business.
It's an impossible deadline to meet in this struggling economy, but Politis remains hopeful she'll find the money somehow.
The Attic Vintage Clothing Company, 1025 S. Main St., which has been a staple on the Main Street business corridor for 22 years, is in danger of closing its doors after an NV Energy substation explosion last year delivered a crippling financial blow.
Many of the businesses have since vacated the area, leaving behind empty buildings, graffiti-covered walls and broken windows. One year later, the once-booming business corridor still resembles a war zone. Just around the corner is the thriving side of the Arts District, where 18b flourishes, especially during First Friday, near the Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd., Artifice, 1025 First St., and Brett Wesley Gallery, 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd.
Politis moved her store across the street to stay in business -- downsizing from 10,000-square-feet to 3,500-square-feet in the new location. Her inventory is one-third of what it was in the old building at 1018 S. Main St. Most of the inventory is packed away in boxes and stored in a warehouse.
"I will not shut up about it," Politis said. "This is not fair. Since I'm going to have to close down, my hands will be free, my time will be free, to dedicate my ... life to letting people know about NV Energy. I don't care what I have to do because I don't have a job anymore."
Exactly one year after the July 11, 2010, explosion occurred, Politis stood outside with dozens of supporters -- including employees who face losing their jobs -- protesting and criticizing NV Energy's response to every media outlet throughout the valley. The tattered building sat across the street. The upstairs windows were broken, their jagged glass and charred walls serve as a reminder of what she lost that summer morning.
"It's heartbreaking," she said. "Every day I come out here and look at this piece of crap, and it's, like, really? How does this happen? How are people not held accountable? What can I do? Nothing, except grow an aneurysm in my head and explode. I just want to be able to make my own livelihood. Enough is enough."
The explosion forced downtown gallery owner Gina Quaranto to relocate her business to 1551 S. Commerce St., and the Opportunity Village Thrift Store to move to 4600 Meadows Lane.
NV Energy released a statement discussing a third-party investigation conducted in January that concluded "the incident occurred through no fault of NV Energy."
" At that time we acknowledged that some of our neighbors were caused considerable hardship, and that we intended to pay some of those whose property was damaged or harmed for some of their uninsured or underinsured property losses. To date, nearly one-third of claims has been agreed upon and will be paid, provided we receive signed releases from the parties. We will continue to review unresolved claims on a case-by-case basis and work in the most expedient and beneficial manner with all parties involved."
Southwest Gas also released a statement on the progress of independent testing also conducted in January investigating reports of a gas leak in the area.
" As of this date, these experts and testing laboratories are continuing their investigation, and Southwest Gas remains committed to finding the cause of the explosion that impacted our neighbors in the area."
Politis said she pays $3,600 in monthly rent on the new location and $3,200 per month on her old mortgage. Engineers examined the old building, which was built in 1953, and estimated it would cost $1.2 million to bulldoze and start from scratch -- a suggestion they said would be cheaper than trying to bring the building up to code. Even then, it would take about 1½ years to complete construction, she added.
Insurance money helped cushion some of the costs, but it isn't enough, Politis said.
"I'll have to shut my doors," she said. "I won't be able to pay my employees. I won't be able to pay rent or my mortgage. My business is related to size and stock. It's a recipe for failure. It kills me. I didn't cause this. I was home sleeping, minding my own business, planning my next day, and then this happens."
Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@viewnews.com or 383-0492.
