Problem
We collectively and strongly object to
your plans to prematurely demolish
the historic houses of the University
Gateway in order to prepare the area
for new construction that is years
away. Demolition of structures that
are eligible to the National Register of
Historic Places, as many of the
Gateway houses have been
professionally identified, should only
be considered after all alternatives
have been exhausted, and time has
run out. Neither is the case here.

Solution
We ask that you inform the public of
the earliest date when new
construction in the Gateway might
begin, and give the community the
chance to formulate a workable plan
for preserving as many houses as
possible in the interim.

Personal story
A university is a guardian of culture,
and a public university has an even
greater responsibility to the state it
serves. The six houses on the west
side of Center Street between Eighth
and Ninth Streets comprise Reno’s
last remaining intact block of 19th
century residences. You have
demonstrated a commitment to
preserving historic buildings
constructed for the university, and it
is now time for you to extend that
same respect to the heritage of the
community that first welcomed the
university to this city more than 130
years ago.