Businesses have been moving into downtown Las Vegas, but they’ve also been moving out.
The reason: it’s hard to retain some businesses because there simply isn’t enough housing density downtown to support all the new businesses that have sprouted.
Well, a new housing development is on the way.
Could it kick start a housing rebirth along East Fremont Street, one of the oldest stretches of road in Las Vegas?
That new development is planned to go up right next to The Atomic, a bar with the oldest tavern license in Las Vegas.
Kent Johns is co-owner of the Atomic and has seen quite a bit of change in just the last few years.
"When we first moved in, we were kind of an island down there and now its nice to see other businesses start to flourish down there," Johns said.
He doesn't think the new development will usher in loads of new housing developments. But he thinks this one will be a big first step.
"I think housing projects anywhere in the downtown area is going to help," Johns said; however, he doesn't believe it is crucial because businesses in the area have been fine without it.
Unlike other places where rooftops come before business development, downtown Las Vegas had business development and now needs more housing.
Kent Johns, co-owner, The Atomic
