Nearly three years ago when Richard Worthington was asked to lead the gathering of downtown business owners and stakeholders that would quickly become the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance, redevelopment in the area was moving slowly, skepticism about the city’s ability to initiate downtown revitalization was rampant and the numbers of those committed to helping to transform the area were few.

Fast forward to 2011 and the changes are evident in everything from the downtown skyline - thanks to iconic buildings like The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Frank Gehry-designed Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health - to the growing popularity of nightlife in the Fremont East district and the numbers of new businesses like Resnicks, The Verdict’s Inn and Vanguard Lounge.  

“It’s incredibly gratifying to see the changes of the past few years – and particularly the past several months,” said Worthington, who has long been a champion of downtown. “The 2010 year-end announcement that Zappos plans to move into City Hall in 2012 is not only a game-changer for downtown, it is generating significant media attention on all of the downtown progress of the past few years.  There is a definite new level of energy in downtown that didn’t exist a few months ago thanks to the momentum created by not only the Zappos announcement, but real and tangible progress at Symphony Park, The Mob Museum, new business openings and more.”

While Worthington acknowledges that downtown is experiencing real progress, there is still much to do to engage the community and convince locals that downtown is a fantastic place to dine, drink, play, and visit. “Given today’s ongoing economic challenges, downtown stakeholders and business owners need to be more focused and creative than ever to continue advancing our collective progress in the urban core,” said Worthington.  

The Downtown Las Vegas Alliance is a non-profit, service-oriented group seeking to improve business and neighborhood conditions downtown. Through community gatherings, open forum discussions, electronic newsletters and an interactive website, the DLVA strives to generate interest in downtown and serve as a supportive resource to assist with its revitalization.

The nearly 50 members of the DLVA board span a diverse range of interests and industries, including arts, culture, civic, medical, education, business, retail, nightlife, entertainment, hotels/casinos, and residential. But all are united by a common belief in the importance of a vibrant downtown.

Businesses or individuals interested in learning more about downtown Las Vegas can contact the DVLA for information and tours.  Additional information is available at downtownlasvegasalliance.com.

Photo: The Downtown Las Vegas Alliance's website includes an interactive map with information on downtown art, nightlife, hotels, and businesses.