North Las Vegas considers future of Kiel Ranch

By Jeff Pope

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 | 5:36 p.m.

One of the state's oldest structures needs a facelift, and the North Las Vegas Park and Recreation Advisory Board is asking for public comments on what should be done.

City park officials have begun work on a master plan to preserve Kiel Ranch, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The ranch sits on a seven acres near the intersection of Carey Avenue and Commerce Street and was the home of Conrad Kiel in the late 1880s. Previously, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints settled the site, which was used for fresh water along trade routes by indigenous tribes.

The advisory board is hosting a workshop to help create a new design for Kiel Ranch at 5:45 p.m. on March 10 at the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive.

"The city is trying to preserve and create a park for the city to highlight Kiel Ranch itself as well as give the community something to enjoy," said city planner Stephanie Bruning. "It dates back to the very early beginnings of the settlement of the valley."

The site is inaccessible to people and has been so for about a decade. However, a natural artesian spring still flows, providing water and a habitat for wildlife.

The City Council could approve a plan this summer, but work on the ranch wouldn't start until the city has funding available. Bruning said the city would seek grants to rehabilitate the adobe structure and grounds.

Four proposed plans are available to view online at www.cityofnorthlasvegas.com. For more information, call 633-2789.

Jeff Pope can be reached at 990-2688 or [email protected].