Plan for Masonic Temple block coalesces

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2000 | 10:11 a.m.

The area called the Masonic Temple block, bound by the river and by Virginia, Sierra and First streets, consists of public and private property owners. The plan calls for a joint effort by both.

Larry Leasure, who oversaw a similar transformation in the downtown of his home town of Boise, Idaho, plans to build shops, restaurants and a nightclub on block.

On Tuesday, the Reno City Council will consider entering exclusive negotiations for the company to buy the city's half of the block, now cleared for redevelopment, as well as a vacant city lot on the corner of the Riverside Century movie theater.

Leasure said his company would invest more than $10 million to open shops, restaurants and offices on the vacant land. Entertainment, possibly including a nightclub or family video game center, also is being considered.

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