South Reno’s Landscape is Changing!

South Reno’s Landscape is Changing!

By: Pam Farris

Growth in South Reno is exploding, leaving many people scratching their heads wondering what is happening?!

In the last decade, ranches, livestock and sprawling vistas have made way for housing developments, huge industrial complexes and a myriad of apartment complexes. The latest area of development that has many residents asking questions is near the intersection of South Virginia Street/Old Hwy 395 and Hwy 431/341 at Mount Rose Highway.

Hwy 431 at South Virginia Street.                           Photo by Pam Farris

Damonte Family Home                 Photo by Pam Farris

One of Washoe County’s first Commissioners, Peleg Brown, purchased land on Old Virginia Road in 1858 and built a Greek Revival style home in 1864. In 1939 Louis Damonte, an Italian immigrant bought the ranch. The home, along with 5 other buildings that the Damonte family still own, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The picture above shows the home today as well as the nearby industrial complexes that are beginning to swallow up  the landscape.

You can still see some cattle grazing in the pastures as they have for over a century but Damonte Ranch is moving  toward the future at a fast pace.

Developer Perry DiLoreto and investors began the purchase from the Damonte family in 1987. Development began in 2000 and since then thousands of residents now call Damonte Ranch home as construction continues. 

Photo by Pam Farris

The latest phase is visible off I580 just north of the Mount Rose Highway. 73 acres in the Damonte Ranch area will make up Downtown Damonte, a mix of retail, dining, bars, residential and office space expected to be completed by 2025. Downtown Damonte will feature local businesses and be pedestrian friendly. Roberto’s Taco Shop, Brass Tap Beer Bar, Slim Chickens and a dental office plan on making their businesses part of the community. The new Liberty Dogs Campus is also under construction with funding from the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Family Foundation. The campus has plans as a companion – dog training facility for veterans. The Liberty Dogs campus along with Ridgeline Technology plans on employing up to 2,000 workers.                                       

BUT WAIT! THERE’S SOMETHING BIG HAPPENING LESS THAN A MILE AWAY!!!!

Photo by Pam Farris

Work is expected to be completed for the first phase in 2025. A new internal roadway and utility network will extend Herz Boulevard and environmental impacts have been taken into consideration. The area is home to what is known as the Steamboat Buckwheat, of which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as The State of Nevada considers an endangered plant. All involved agree that the habitat be protected. A spokesperson has said, “The project plans take into account the needs of the area as it grows to accommodate more businesses and residents.”

Yes, the landscape of Reno is changing as developers find the area very desirable. We must embrace the growth as well as take responsibility by using whatever resources are available to make sure the growth is in the best interest of the environment and our children’s future.