[Willy702]

People whine about how the city can't diversify its economy and then when a guy with some money and success throws out some new ideas to do just that here come the Las Vegas pigeons dumping on it and saying things shouldn't change.

That's Vegas for you.

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by Willy702

People whine about how the city can't diversify its economy and then when a guy with some money and success throws out some new ideas to do just that here come the Las Vegas pigeons dumping on it and saying things shouldn't change.

That's Vegas for you.

I don't know how long you've been here, but those of us who have been here a long time have seen these same promises over and over again a zillion times. But somehow they never work out and always end up costing us taxpayers money. Time after time we have seen the politicians fawn all over someone who has all the answers but knows absolutely nothing about this town. And it seems that every time it's a big bust and the politicians never have to answer for it.

If Zappos can do half of what they say then that's good. We'll all applaud them. But experienced Las Vegans never believe anything until they see it because we've been let down hundreds of times already.

Diversification has been the number one topic for decades here, but why? What is wrong with having one of the two industries that in the history of the world have never gone under? If others want to set up shop, that's fine, but why do we have to worry so much about it when we have had the most popular vacation destination in the world for 60 years or so?

[dynimagelv]

+1 as always.....but we seem to have BOTH of the industries that never go under....Gaming and .... well.... you know......

[JohnG72]

When you can fly round trip for $120 from LAX or better yet Burbank to LV(which is the typical lowest rate Southwest offers...$49 each way plus fees), even under the worst circumstances of getting to the airport and waiting for security, its around a 2 1/2 to 3 hour total trip. On a good day, depending on proximity to the airport, I exit my front door and am waiting in line for a cab at McCarran 2 hours later.

As far as driving...and keep in mind this is strictly midweek or driving to Las Vegas on a Saturday morning, and this is from the heart of LA(Downtown).....I can walk out my front door at 10am and be checked into my strip hotel at 230-3pm. Cost is gas only...and if thats divided 4 ways, thats maybe $25 each for the entire trip.

So as far as a train goes...until they have one that gets me from Union Station to Plaza in 3 hours or less...Im never taking it. And certainly not for $200 round trip...not by a long shot. Keep in mind I live 1 block from the red line that costs $1.50 to take straight to Union Station. So it would be super super easy to use. But not at all if it costs too much or takes 5-8 hours.

[Willy702]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

I don't know how long you've been here, but those of us who have been here a long time have seen these same promises over and over again a zillion times. But somehow they never work out and always end up costing us taxpayers money. Time after time we have seen the politicians fawn all over someone who has all the answers but knows absolutely nothing about this town. And it seems that every time it's a big bust and the politicians never have to answer for it.

If Zappos can do half of what they say then that's good. We'll all applaud them. But experienced Las Vegans never believe anything until they see it because we've been let down hundreds of times already.

Diversification has been the number one topic for decades here, but why? What is wrong with having one of the two industries that in the history of the world have never gone under? If others want to set up shop, that's fine, but why do we have to worry so much about it when we have had the most popular vacation destination in the world for 60 years or so?

Honestly I dont believe much diversification will ever come based on how the city markets itself. But I find Hsieh to be a real breath of fresh air. No one outside of elected officials or condo developers have ever even suggested a non-gaming future for downtown and he is 100% correct. I have nothing against the casinos and lets face it most of those casinos arent going anywhere. But there is no reason to build more or even spend much on remodeling them so they should just be put aside as a way to revitalize downtown. For now I focus on the intent and premise of what he has thrown out there and assume all the little details get figured out later. Maybe the tiny space idea could work or maybe the market cant support it. Doesnt really matter those things get decided later. But to think outside the box and aim high is what everyone should be doing. With the arts, shopping, government/courts, medical industry and maybe a sports facility down the road downtown has the pieces there to support the big ideas, but its time to stop thinking about the old standby industry as being part of it. If it all works the gaming and probably new hotel development can follow along.

[Buzz123]

Las Vegas isn't the only downtown in the world with the same problem. Happens in every city, town, and hamlet. It got old. But what killed diverse business in downtown had nothing to do with casinos. It started in the late 60's when the Boulevard Mall opened. Previously, all those stores were downtown. I saw the same thing happen to my home town of then 32,000, now 17,000, population. With an area population of about 175,000, downtown was the busiest place you ever saw, especially on weekends. Then they opened a mall out on the highway away from downtown and turned it into a ghost town. Same thing in Albuquerque, and Reno, two other places I've lived. The only place that's not likely to happen to is Laredo, TX, one of the top retail markets in the state. Nearly all of it comes from across the International Bridge ...the main entry to the U.S. from Mexico.

Every city is struggling with how to revitalize their downtowns. I like what has been done here so far, but we have a long way to go to turn it into Oscar's dream. I came here the same year he did, and I understand what he sees that others are just beginning to.

[von949]

Making big moves. A lot of people thought that Zappos was just going to move some furniture and cubicles in the old city hall building.

Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Zappos hires architecture firm to reshape new home

Zappos.com has hired Gensler, the architecture firm that served as executive architect on CityCenter, to lead renovations to the City Hall building it plans to occupy in 2013.

[dynimagelv]

Originally Posted by von949

Making big moves. A lot of people thought that Zappos was just going to move some furniture and cubicles in the old city hall building.

Las Vegas Business Press :: News : Zappos hires architecture firm to reshape new home

I hope they have better luck then they had with the ORIGINAL Architect.....the one that designed an ESCAPE PROOF JAIL for the City Hall.....Each cell had a dropped acoustical ceiling.... it was NEVER used.

I do think that Zap will be a good addition to downtown.

[Scott456]

online stores come and go. Zappo is not an exception and I don't think it have the edge to grow or continue with all the competitors out there. Especially after they spend so much money just to claim a role in reviving downtown LV.

[pommysmommy]

Originally Posted by Scott456

online stores come and go. Zappo is not an exception and I don't think it have the edge to grow or continue with all the competitors out there. Especially after they spend so much money just to claim a role in reviving downtown LV.

I think Zappos has a great business model. Their customer service and ease of returns is great. I wasn't happy about the security breach but that has happened to the "secure" government websites. I think bringing jobs to Las Vegas is a good thing and revitalizing downtown is also a good thing.