Clark County Redevelopment Agency staff on July 16, 2025, presented a preliminary plan to rehabilitate 900 Liberace Avenue — known as New Orleans Square — and then paused the proposal after commissioners and tenants raised questions about cost, tenant displacement and whether a private master developer might better deliver the project.

John Advent, deputy director with Real Property Management, described a scope focused on code compliance, life‑safety upgrades and long‑term maintenance across four two‑story retail/office buildings totaling about 72,500 square feet. “The intent of this scope is to address the facility from a code compliance, fire life safety, and general long term maintenance of the building,” Advent said during his presentation.

Staff estimated an all‑in project budget of about $15,000,000 with a 36–48 month timeline from design through completion. The proposed work would add a fire sprinkler system and alarm across all four buildings; upgrade public restrooms to current ADA and public‑use standards; modernize elevators; and perform envelope repairs such as patching, painting and waterproofing. Staff said the budget does not include tenant‑specific build‑outs or beautification/facade enhancements.

Commissioners and staff discussed several practical concerns: whether to phase the work building‑by‑building, how tenants would be accommodated during construction, whether the county should continue as landlord after rehabilitation, and whether the county should instead seek a master developer or a private partner.

Commissioner Kirkpatrick expressed concern about displacing existing tenants and the risk of unforeseen retrofit costs, especially when adding fire sprinklers to an older building. “It just seems...retrofitting fire sprinklers is not an easy task,” Kirkpatrick said, arguing a phased approach might reduce unknowns.

Staff told commissioners that many tenants occupy month‑to‑month leases; staff said only a small number have fixed leases, and that the county could offer temporary relocation assistance for tenants interested in returning after construction. The property is managed by Gatsby Commercial, retained after the county purchased the property.

Several tenants spoke during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Monica Gresser, an architect and tenant at New Orleans Square with Brazen Architecture, asked to be included in design conversations. “We would like to have the opportunity to collaborate, in terms of what happens with that building,” she said. Tracy Simon, owner of Get a Haircut at the complex, said she and other small businesses would like the option to relocate temporarily and return after work is complete.

Commissioners also cited work already done by Gensler, the design consultant, and ongoing discussions with stakeholders including the Economic Development Council and an entertainment operator described to staff as Insomniac. A staff estimate cited in the meeting showed demolition costs of about $3,000,000, but staff said they had not prepared a full replace‑and‑rebuild cost estimate.

After extended discussion and with no clear four‑vote majority to proceed, the chair said the item would be removed from the agenda for further study and stakeholder outreach. “It’s clear we don’t have four votes. So we’re gonna pull this item off the agenda,” the chair said.

Discussion versus decision: the presentation generated detailed discussion and direction to staff to engage additional stakeholders and return with options, including possible master‑developer partnerships, phased construction, lease‑option scenarios and lease incentives. No formal appropriation or contract authorization took place; the item was postponed for further work.

Next steps staff committed to include are additional conversations with the Economic Development Council and Gensler, refined cost and phasing analyses, and options for leasing or master‑developer arrangements.