Another deadline for historic hotel

It voted 5-1 late Tuesday to tell developer DDR-OliverMcMillan to try to restore the downtown Reno landmark. But if that fails, the Council wants to see a new structure built on the site.

The developer has 90 days to make a decision one way or the other.

The 51-year-old building has been shuttered since 1982. The plan calls for conversion of the first floor into retail and restaurant space. The mezzanine would have a health club and day care facility and the second through the ninth floors would be converted into time share units.

The skyroom, which once hosted such entertainers as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Marilyn Monroe, would become a lounge and convention facility.

Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin said he thinks most of the people in Reno want to see the Mapes survive if it makes economic sense. "I do believe this building will be saved in an economically reasonable way," he added.

Councilwoman Candice Pearce voted against the measure. She said that despite the prolonged debate over the hotel's future, the Council is being rushed to make a decision.

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