Court Halts Demolition of Historic Reno Hotel
The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday ordered Reno officials to halt preparations for the Jan. 30 demolition of the historic Mapes Hotel pending judicial review.
The order, signed by three judges, was sought by preservationists trying to save the 52-year-old structure--the first in the nation in which a casino, hotel, restaurant and entertainment were offered under the same roof.
The Reno City Council in September ordered the Mapes’ destruction after saying it could not find a financially feasible way of renovating the 12-story, riverfront landmark that has played host to the likes of Mae West, the Marx Brothers and Tony Bennett.
Preservationists sued the city, charging that the decision was reached in illegal closed-door meetings of city officials. On Tuesday, a judge endorsed the city’s demolition decision, and critics appealed to the state Supreme Court.
City spokesman Chris Good said Thursday that officials were frustrated by the order because every day of preparations is critical to meet the scheduled demolition date. If work is delayed too long, the demolition job will have to be delayed indefinitely until contractors are again available.
The Mapes is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city wants it razed to make room for downtown redevelopment.
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