In years past, visitors to the downtown area mostly stuck to the area of Fremont Street where you’ll find classic Vegas casinos like the Four Queens and The Plaza. But things are starting to change.
Follow Fremont Street one block east from the end of the popular Fremont Street Experience attraction and you’ll notice where there used to be run down buildings, there are now vital signs of life in form of new bars and nightclubs. Popular clubs like the Beauty Bar, Hennesssey’s Tavern, Hogs & Heifers, Mickie Finnz and the Downtown Cocktail Room have started bringing in the locals and tourists-in-the-know with top notch DJs, live bands, great drink specials and low-to-no cover charges.
Welcome to the Fremont East District.
Besides the the new nightlife venues (with several more on the way), several condo towers are being built in the area, a few restaurants are in the planning stages and even the El Cortez, which sits smack in the middle of the revitalized area, is undergoing a renovation. Visitors to the Fremont East District will also notice the addition of retro-style neon signage, expanded sidewalks, valet parking, banners and historic markers.
With the above-mentioned $5.5 million streetscaping investment, and incentives to lure new nightlife ventures such as lowered tavern licensing fees from the city, this area is swiftly becoming poised to be the Vegas answer to Memphis’ Beale Street or San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. A neighborhood where locals and city visitor’s alike will enjoy spending a night out, with dinner, drinks and entertainment, all with the Vegas vibe.
Don’t get me wrong, the area still has a lot of work to do before it’s truly fabulous, since there are still so many open and abandoned store fronts. But it’s gotten a good start so far.
This Friday, August 24th, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will be on hand to officially dedicate the Fremont East District. The event kicks off with live music at 7pm with the street lighting ceremony taking place around 7:45pm. Find the party by going to the Fremont Street block that lies between Las Vegas Blvd. and 7th Street downtown.
