Support Our Community! "Better Blocks Live" Pop Event Coming Up

Urban Land Institute (ULI), in partnership with Hope Home Foundation and Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtor’s Commercial Alliance (CALV), the National Association of REALTORS®, Clark County and the city of Las Vegas, have collaborated on a smart growth project called “Better Blocks Live.”  Funded in part by a Smart Growth Action Grant from CALV and the National Association of REALTORS, the group plans to bring alive the southwest corner of Sahara Ave. and Decatur Blvd. with a series of events and activations, Sept. 19-20.  The goal of the weekend pop-up is two-fold: demonstrate the area’s potential to local businesses, developers and real estate brokers; and collect information from surrounding residents and neighborhoods to better understand their needs and desires to help identify redevelopment strategies moving forward.

According to Dr. Robert Fielden, co-chair of the ULI Smart Growth committee and event visionary, “Better Blocks Live” will reimagine the busy corridor with fun and engaging activities like a pancake breakfast hosted by Spicy Camel Trading Company, a farmers’ market, dog adoptions, bicycle parade, cultural performances,  magicians, musicians, Urban Eggs and Art sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, along with a variety of free and for-purchase food options, including a hot dog giveaway.  “This area was once THE place to shop and dine in Las Vegas,” said Dr. Fielden.  “The potential is there, and our goal is help visualize it for the local business, development and real estate communities.  We want this area to regain its vibrancy while evolving to better meet the needs of the immediate neighborhoods.”

Hope Home Foundation will host a home fair in an empty retail space to offer area residents information on down payment assistance programs, low interest loans and affordable housing options. And event organizers will host a live charrette to gather information from attendees regarding the kinds of services and businesses they would like to see in their neighborhood. According to Dawn Lane, CEO, Hope Home Foundation, the goal of this event is to raise awareness for small business opportunity, healthy living, education, housing, smart growth and technology.  “It’s a tall order, but we have to start somewhere, and this is the perfect way to get residents involved in bettering their neighborhood,” she said.

 In addition to event organizers, confirmed sponsors and partners include Evergreen Home Loans, NV Energy, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, RMS Mortgage, Costco and Sam’s Club.

 Saturday, Sept. 19 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
                             Sunday, Sept. 20 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sahara Pavilion Shopping Center – southwest corner of Sahara Ave. and Decatur Blvd.

 
Saturday:                   8:30 – 10:30 – Pancake Breakfast
                                  8:30 – 9:30 – Bicycle decoration and staging
                                  9:30 – Bicycle parade hosted by RTC
                                  10:00 – 5:00 – Vendors open/entertainment throughout, prize drawings every hour
                                 11:30 – 2:00 – Hot Dog Giveaway

Sunday:                   10:00 – 4:00 – Vendors open/entertainment throughout, prize drawings every hour
                                 11:30 – 2:00 – Hot Dog Giveaway


For more information - nevada.uli.org/event/better-blocks-live/