The group behind Reno Pro Soccer’s attempt to build a first-of-its-kind soccer stadium in Northern Nevada has submitted a pre-planning application for its ambitious 28-acre, $350 million entertainment district called “The Boulevard Reno.”
The stadium, which has been approved for a USL soccer franchise, would be the project’s cornerstone. The district is planned for the corner of Kietzke Lane and Peckham Lane where Reno Pro Soccer bought adjacent parcels that currently house the abandoned Jones West Ford as well as a Savers, Grocery Outlet, King Buffet and Rent-A-Center. The project would include rezoning and include the following amenities:
* A 6,000-seat capacity professional soccer stadium that is 99,432 square feet
* A seven-story hotel, casino and convention center with 301 rooms and a non-restricted gaming license for a 71,210-square-foot casino; the max height would be 92 feet with the gaming floor in excess of 38,000 square feet
* An 18,352-square-foot retail building with eight commercial spaces, two restaurants, two bars, three retail spaces and a team store as part of a 55,000-square-foot retail village with a 37,000-square-foot “Electric Avenue” plaza that would be open 24/7
* A 13,077-square-foot theater
* A five-level parking garage
A justification letter was submitted to Reno Planning Manager Mike Railey by Holland & Hart’s Douglas R. Thornley, the former Reno City Manager.
It reads, in part: “The Boulevard Reno is a thoughtful, community-oriented redevelopment of six parcels totaling approximately 27.95 acres at the northeast intersection of Kietzke Lane and Peckham Lane in Reno, Nevada. These parcels, formerly occupied by the Jones West Ford dealership and an aging strip mall, will become a vibrant mixed-use destination that blends professional sports, retail, dining, entertainment and hospitality.”
The project also would include additional green space with the 323 trees and 1,500 shrubs or groundcovers. The trees would include 100 Amur Maples, 53 Western Catalpas, 69 Shademaster Honey Locusts, 33 Fat Albert Spruces and 68 Chinese Pistaches.
“In every respect, The Boulevard Reno transforms a site that had outlived its previous use into a dynamic community asset,” the justification letter read. “It will generate jobs, increase tax revenues and give Reno residents and visitors a new place to cheer for their hometown team, gather with friends and enjoy the city they love. We look forward to working closely with the city to bring this exciting vision to life.”
Reno Pro Soccer CEO Wendy Damonte told Nevada Sports Net the next step in the process would be gaining approval in June from the Washoe County Planning Commission for a conditional use permit. The project also must be approved by the Reno Redevelopment Agency, which is comprised of the mayor and members of the Reno City County. Construction is expected to take 10 month to a year upon a groundbreaking.
The total project is estimated at $350 million with the soccer stadium ticketed for $80 million. The two parcels of land, which were purchased last fall, cost more than $34 million. Reno Pro Soccer was awarded a USL expansion franchise last October.
“This is a bold step for Reno, and we look forward to working with our city leaders, community stakeholders and local businesses to build a community-driven soccer club and transform Reno into Northern Nevada’s premier destination for sports and entertainment,” Damonte said when the project was announced in September.
You can read the full justification letter below.