Writing institute eyed for school

Diana Sahagun

Friday, July 19, 2002 | 9:10 a.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is in talks with a hotel executive to house an international writing program in the historic Fifth Street School downtown.

Goodman met with Glenn Schaeffer, president of Mandalay Resort Group, last week to discuss housing the International Institute of Modern Writers in the school, at Las Vegas Boulevard and Lewis Avenue.

Schaeffer established the institute, committing $20,000 of his company's money and $5,000 of his own to make it happen. The institute is currently housed at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The institute also launched the City of Asylum for international writers exiled from their homelands. Syl Cheney-Coker became the first persecuted writer to take refuge here.

Goodman, who has criticized the gaming industry for its lack of participation in the community, said he and Schaeffer are working to bring the institute downtown.

City officials have envisioned the historic Fifth Street School as a cultural center full of boutiques and shops. The building is currently occupied by city offices and a Metro Police substation. But the substation is expected to relocate to a new facility next year, freeing up space for the institute, Goodman said.

"The Fifth Street School would be a wonderful environment for a very prestigious institute," Goodman said.