Friday, June 1, 2007 | 6:53 a.m.
Two years ago Holsum Lofts on Charleston Boulevard was fat with galleries and boutique shops - a nice air-conditioned space to purchase the kind of trinkets, artwork and home decor that you wouldn't find in a Strip mall. There was even a cafe with a delicious menu so you could make an afternoon of it.
The sky was the limit it seemed for some retailers who bet on the World Market Center as well as for the foot traffic of sophisticated buyers and designers.
Jeff LaPour of LaPour Partners, who poured $6 million into renovating the former bread factory, expected the building to be the "centerpiece of the Arts District" (despite being outside the district) and that he wasn't interested in using the 1950s factory for office space.
But as it happens sometimes, courses change. Days were slow. Stores and galleries kept different hours. Tenants fled. Galleries closed and design companies comfortably moved into the stylish building that was eventually called the more-fitting Holsum Design Center.
Now, James Drewry and Jerry Hall, owners of the Lynn Peri Collections boutique, are throwing in the towel. The two came to Las Vegas in May 2005 after closing shop in Laguna Beach, Calif., to tap into the anticipated commerce and synergy.
Tonight's First Friday is their last in that space. Their departure follows Art & Soul, Home Expressions, L Maynard Galleries, Tager Gallery and a gallery of work by Jennifer Main. Las Vegas Paper Doll and a couple of galleries are staying.
"The first year was better than the second," Hall says. "It could be the war, it could be the economy. And the area didn't develop as quickly as we'd hoped. Maybe we were too early. On First Friday we have too many people, then we wait for another First Friday.
"The whole center is more of a design center now and less of a retail space. That cuts down on foot traffic."
Hall says he and Drewry will stay in Las Vegas, establish a Web site and continue to represent Las Vegas artists. A year from now they plan to open a Strip gallery to sell international works.
Quite the contrary
Meanwhile, at the Arts Factory, VURB magazine has incorporated gallery shows into its office space, inviting the public to its first-floor digs. It has displayed work by artists featured in its magazine, such as David Ryan. Tonight the VURB space will double as the launch for a T-shirt line created by Las Vegas artist and designer Casey Weldon and partners Brian Thornton and Tigh Pesicka. The 11 designs by Narnell, the trio's new company, will be for sale. VURB is planning a "sustainable fashion show" and installation from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. What will it think of next?
Details: VURB, 103 E. Charleston Blvd., 258-8440
Arts vs. arena
Las Vegas Arts District advocates and Michigan-based development group REi (Real Estate Interests Group) butted heads again last week at a planning commission meeting.
REi representatives submitted requests for a mixed-use development, a private sports arena, expansion of the Gaming Enterprise District, a high-rise mixed-use development, a special-use permit for a gaming establishment, a zoning change from commercial/industrial to mixed use and to vacate rights of way.
Following lengthy testimony by residents, artists and business owners, both for and against Project Neon Lights, the requests were approved with conditions.
Opponents questioned the credibility, intentions and ambitions of the developers, accusing them of invading downtown as out-of-staters defining what the area should be. They suggested REi not be handed a blank check for its grandiose plans.
Proponents described the area as an eyesore rife with homelessness, vacancies, crime and urine-soaked alleys. They spoke of innovation and bringing people back downtown and are happy to have someone else foot the bill.
Freedom trail
Talk about closure.
Former North Las Vegas Mayor Bill Taylor completes a story today that began in 1941 when he was captured by the Japanese on Wake Island while working as a civilian construction contractor. "Rescued by Mao" (Silverleaf Press, $23.95) is being released today. The book details Taylor's 1,000-mile journey to freedom under the protection of Mao Zedong,
Taylor says Mao, who would become the Chinese leader in 1949, ordered Red Chinese troops to ensure his safety while trekking through China.
Taylor, 90, says Mao congratulated him on surviving and gave him two woven carpets. As it turned out, Mao gave him much more. Taylor will be in Las Vegas this weekend to sign copies of the book.
Details: 1 to 3 p.m. June 8, Borders Book Shop and Cafe, 2323 S. Decatur Blvd.; and 2 to 4 p.m. June 9, Borders Books Music and Cafe, 10950 W. Charleston Blvd., Summerlin
archive
