Water Street Revitalization: Henderson Main Street booming again
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Big changes in the heart of Henderson. On Water Street, the Main Street of the city decades ago, small businesses are now filling once vacant store fronts. One popular Henderson bar and restaurant owner even recently invested a million dollars to open a second location there.
“Best decision I ever made, 42 years ago, was to come to Henderson…I was just a young kid, 26, 27 years old. I looked at the area, I said, ‘Boy, this is a good place to open up a restaurant…because it’s going to grow,’” recalled John McGinty. McGinty, originally from Buffalo, New York, set up a small bar and restaurant on Boulder Highway when he moved to Henderson.
As the city boomed, the owner of Johnny Mac’s always thought about expanding the family business and now has chosen a spot on Water Street.
“It’s a great place to come and hang out. Plenty of restaurants. Plenty of shopping,” contended McGinty.
It hasn’t always been this way.
“Ten years ago, probably wouldn’t have done it but the last four to five years, the leadership in Henderson has been terrific and they are on the move and it just keeps getting better,” McGinty explained.
Walking with FOX5’s Kim Passoth on Water Street, McGinty pointed out all the new business additions.
“The Rainbow. The Pass…the new hotel just opened up with a wine bar coming in. There’s a little wine bar around the corner,” McGinty shared. McGinty sees potential for people to walk from bar to bar, restaurant, or shop.
“I’m trying to make it like Nashville with all the bars up and down. Honky-tonks,” McGinty revealed.
“Water Street had so much potential,” asserted Jim Van Loo, Owner of Las Vegas Kettle Corn. Von Loo also bet big on Water Street when he packed up everything and moved from Idaho five years ago to open his shop of sweet treats.
“We just are really growing and it’s showing all the stores of profiting, I think,” Von Loo stated.
A new hotel opened last week right next to the America First Center and new housing is going up along the street so people can stay and live on Water Street.
The City of Henderson has been working to create a refined vision for the Water Street District. Their goal is to create “an authentic downtown core that is welcoming to everyone.”
Learn more here: Water Street District
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