After a $12.5 million restoration project that began seven years ago, a grand opening and dedication for the Historic Westside School was held this morning.
“Las Vegas is known for its implosions, not necessarily its restorations,” said Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow.
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial, the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency, and the city contributed money for the renovations.
The school’s restoration is part of an overall strategy to revitalize one of the city’s most economically depressed areas.
“We want to reactivate an area of town once full of life and entertainment and energy,” explained Barlow, who represents the area. “ This is what I’m trying to jumpstart in an area that has pretty much come to a halt.”
The plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly, sustainable design that incorporates wind and solar power use while creating opportunities for retail, professional offices and open spaces for farmers markets and art festivals.