Las Vegas RDA approves $50,000 improvement grant for Wonderfine Liquids at 1309 South Commerce Street

The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency on March 18 approved RA-7-2026, a resolution authorizing execution of a Commercial Visual Improvement Program (CVIP) agreement of up to $50,000 for Wonderfine Liquids at 1309 South Commerce Street.

Dina Babsky, with the city’s Economic and Urban Development (EUD) office, told agency members the project will rehabilitate a vacant storefront in the Arts District and that the applicant team is investing about $1.225 million in the overall project, with nearly $150,000 focused on exterior work — qualifying it for the full $50,000 CVIP award. “We are excited to be able to provide parking for future customers of this new establishment,” Babsky said.

James Manis, the owner of Wonderfine Liquids, described plans for the business at the former Nightmare Toys building: an all-ages front storefront open for lunch and late-night food, and a focus on in-house craft production. “I’m going to make about 80% of it in house,” Manis said, adding that he intends to use local products and hire area residents.

Councilwoman Diaz moved to approve the resolution and urged the applicant to keep the agency updated on progress. The motion was put to a vote and the clerk recorded that the motion carried; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally or recorded vote breakdown.

The CVIP award is intended to fund exterior improvements such as rollup garage doors, patio installation, awnings, and paint to reactivate the commercial frontage. Staff said the work is expected to be completed in late second quarter 2026, in time to serve nearby new residents when they move in.

The redevelopment agency adjourned after the vote; the city council meeting was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m.