More studies planned for city’s 61 acres

Judy Odierna

Friday, April 11, 2003 | 11:18 a.m.

As members of the Las Vegas City Council, city administrators and experts engage in a two-day brainstorming session to plan the future development of the 61-acre parcel of land downtown, Mayor Oscar Goodman on Thursday said that several projects are under consideration.

Goodman that he met with representatives of Hogs & Heifers Saloon who are interested in opening a branch in Las Vegas.

Hogs & Heifers is a popular bar in New York City known for its wall of celebrity brassieres and bar-top dancing.

Goodman also expects to make an announcement regarding a medical project being considered for the city's 61 acres.

The Jerry Lewis Spine and Pain Hospital, which cleared a legislative hurdle Monday, is looking at downtown, Goodman said. The hospital will be named after the entertainer who has been a supporter of the project.

Benjamin H. Venger and his partner, Jeff Simmons, are planning to build an $18 million to $20 million, 15-bed hospital for spinal injury treatment and pain management.

The City Council also is scheduled to vote on Wednesday on a contract to have Innova Group Inc. do the medical research planning analysis on the 61 acres. The contract will be for $67,810.