When Commercial Center opened in 1963 — 61 years ago — it was the jewel of Las Vegas with 200 storefronts on 40-plus acres. Mob associates gathered there in the '60s and '70s; The Doors and other major acts played there.
It was the place to be.
But that was 61 years ago. Over time and in the sometimes harsh desert climate, it wore down. Because of that, rent became more affordable and artists and new but small businesses were able to move in. It had a new life.
For years, an eclectic array of businesses moved in. A coffee shop inside a clothing-fashion store, the first Lotus of Siam, Mary K’s video arcade, The Green Door swinger’s club. Andrew Cunanan, who murdered Gianni Versace and four others, was said to have gone to a bathhouse there, the Apollo, on his way to Florida.
Clark County has targeted the center for redevelopment. The Great Recession slowed those plans, then there was the pandemic. But now the air is clearing, and there is movement.
The thing is, when most development happens, someone gets pushed out. So we’re going to talk about that today. Along with what might be coming to Commercial Center.
Guests: Russell Davis, consultant; Nancy Good, artist and owner, Core Contemporary; Curtis Joe Walker, photographer and owner, Photo Bang Bang Studios
