The p layground is the center o f the Park.

Patio d in ing outs ide and b ig s creen ins ide the Booz ery

One o f our loca l Orches tras takes the s tage

Las Vegas Downtown Container Park Now Openthelasvegasluxuryhomepro.com /las-vegas-downtown-container-park-now-open/

Las Vegas Downtown Container Park with trendy boutiquesand restaurants has now been open a few weeks. We’vestopped in a few times and it seems to be off to a great start. As we walked out on Fremont St after our first visit, anothercouple asked what we thought. Only problem we could seewas that it might be a little too small. They agreed.

The stores are not the big box deals that anchor mostshopping malls. The only “brand” we found was the MickeyMouse store. The park is built around a large play groundwhich seems to be attracting families. We can understand whyMickey would sign a lease with the Park.

On the ground level, we find a variety of eateries. We’ve triedPinches Tacos and loved them, authentic, flavorful & healthy. pork & beans was the brain child of chef Kerry Simon. We haven’t checked that one out yet but have heard it’s awesome. Same for Big Ern’s BBQ. The big reason wehaven’t tried the BBQ yet is they tend to have long lines when we’ve been there. We love the salads, panini and wine atBin 702. And the Boozery is a great spot to stop for a beer and leave the hubby watching the game on their big screenwhile I go explore the shops. The eateries all have a limited number of tables for indoor dining on cooler days, but onnice days we prefer the patio and rooftop eating areas. The rooftops offer great views of downtown’s historic buildingslike the El Cortez .

All of this in discarded cargo containers. The same metalboxes you see unloaded off freighters at our major shippingports. Or you watch go by on freight trains when stuck at arailroad crossing. On the second level, the Internat ionalPort Management Enterprise (IPME) has a lounge. As theirwebsite mentions, they retail containers on the entire WestCoast. If the Downtown Container Park inspires you tocreate your own living/work space in a recycled cargocontainer, these are the folks who can help you build it.

The Downtown Container Park website, lists all the currenttenants. Most of the boutiques are on the second and thirdlevel with walk ways that meander around the complex. Alongthe way, there are seating areas to relax and enjoy our sunnydays.

At the end of the complex is a bandstand. We’ve heardorchestras and a swing band so far. When the live music isn’tgoing, the outdoor sound system provides background music. The bandstand is a great addition to the complex. We’venoticed it has drawn many locals in from the suburbs,especially when their child is playing in the orchestra. And atnight time, it’s amusing to watch the fire breathing ant thatgreets visitors. In addition to the flames, the ant makes somerather interesting sound affects, more like a cow than an ant.

This new complex is the first of many projects that are plannedfor the Downtown area. It’s part of the vision that Zappos CEOTony Hsieh has for revitaliz ing our downtown. On theDowntown Project ’s website, the reason for using containersis spelled out. Most urban cities, like Detroit, are filled with

is spelled out. Most urban cities, like Detroit, are filled withvacant, crumbling buildings that need to be rehabbed. Vegas doesn’t have those. Cargo containers are a greatsolution for bringing the area to life without having to wait years for high rise buildings to be completed. And on our lastvisit, we noticed the lot across the street is filled with Airstream RVs and the signs announce that it’s a “construction zonefor Downtown Container Park”. We look forward to seeing it expand.

This update on Downtown is courtesy of Debbie Drummond, a full time Realtor with over 10 years experience in LasVegas. To search for homes visit LVHomePro.com. For information on Las Vegas Real Estate, call (702)354-6900 oremail Debbie@LVHomePro.com.