Downtown duos partner both in business and life

When locals discuss what it is that draws them downtown, a common theme arises again and again: It feels genuine. While the subjective factors contributing to this culture of authenticity can be difficult to pin down, an important one is the personal touch offered by the growing list of the quintessential mom-and-pop shops.

One of the original couples to bring the homelike atmosphere downtown is Michael and Jennifer Cornthwaite. Dubbed the "First Couple of Fremont East" by local media, the Cornthwaites are responsible for creating two of the most important community gathering spaces in the area: Emergency Arts and the Downtown Cocktail Room. Their vision and presence has had an extraordinary ripple effect, inspiring other influential people - including Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh - to join them in bringing to life a reimagined downtown.

"It's really great not to have to leave each other at 8 a.m. and have a separate life until we come home at 5 p.m., not knowing anything about what the other has done all day," Jennifer Cornthwaite said. "It's not always perfect, but it's such a gift to share our work and have moments to catch up throughout the day."

Fremont East is also home to Dan Coughlin and Shauna Dong, who live in The Ogden and together run Le Thai restaurant. Coughlin's mouthwatering family recipes, combined with the late-night hours and hip vibe, make Le Thai a favorite among locals and keep the pair busy. Living in the high-rise across the street from their business allows them to make the most of the precious down time they do have with each other and their dogs.

Neighbors of Coughlin and Dong in The Ogden are Kathleen and Rudy Strukoff, artist and musician, respectively. The Strukoffs say they feel youthful and alive living downtown in The Ogden, which surely has a lot to do with the fact that it's a place where they are encouraged to live their passions. Together they own the La Chica Art & Music Studio in the Arts Factory, and Rudy Strukoff sees increased quality time with his wife of 21 years as one of the greatest benefits.

"We don't have a commute, we don't have to take freeways, so it's rare we would ever drive more than 35 miles per hour," Strukoff said. "The beauty of slowing life down is that we simply have more time to enjoy it together. In the studio, she paints while I teach, and when we're ready to share a meal it's as easy as walking downstairs to Bar + Bistro or around the corner to Le Thai."

Roxie and Jesse Amoroso are another couple seamlessly blending the roles of spouses, business owners and artists. The punk musician band mates are now co-owners of the nationally renowned vintage guitar shop, Cowtown Guitars in 18b, The Las Vegas Arts District.

Further south on the same street, a row of four design-centric businesses are all owned and operated by couples: Bill Johnson and Marc Comstock are the originals at Retro Vegas; Jill and Marc Abelman of Inside Style; Steven Torgerson and Cima Mizrachi of Corner Store Furniture; and Tim Shaffer and Kate Aldrich of Patina Decor. These are more than business owners who share a sidewalk; they are neighbors in a true sense, supporting each other's openings, visiting each other's stores and coming together to plan events.

A few blocks west on Commerce Street, Rick and Kelly Dale bring national attention to their family partnership as the stars of the History Channel's "American Restoration." Hundreds of fans visit their downtown compound on a daily basis to watch the Dales and their crew restore a variety of interesting artifacts and Americana collectibles.

"Our move downtown has been so positive," said Kelly Dale of Rick's Restorations new 1.5-acre home just south of West Charleston Boulevard. "We love being in the center of town and in the historic heart of the city. It makes sense for the vintage nature of our business."