If you haven’t been to Water Street recently, you haven’t seen all of the great new restaurants, bars, new casino, entertainment venues, street improvements, and commercial and residential developments which are now opened or soon to be opened! Here are just a few of the highlights of how the Historic Water Street District in Downtown Henderson just keeps getting better and better:
RAINBOW CLUB CASINO AND TRIPLE B BURGERS
Tim Brooks of the Emerald Island Casino, and his twin brother Mike, purchased this iconic property from the Peppermill Resorts and re-opened this historical property on September 17th. An initial exterior facelift has been completed and enhanced landscaping and architectural features are coming soon. The beautiful neon sign has been restored to its former glory and the parking lot has been repaved.
The interior of the casino has been spruced up as well. The bathrooms have been revamped and are beautiful and accessibility has been greatly improved. The former restaurant has been redecorated in a mid-century modern style. A new frozen bar featuring eight daily types of margaritas, daiquiris, Pina Coladas, Mudslides with rotating flavors, and non-alcoholic options have been introduced to huge acclaim. The most exciting addition is Triple B Burgers located just inside the casino.
Scott Pajak, who had over a decade association with Emeril Lagasse’s organization and winner of Food Network’s “Chopped”, has joined the Rainbow Club team as Executive Chef and introduced a new menu featuring handcrafted burgers, a Po Boy Shrimp Sub, a turkey burger that is like Thanksgiving on a plate, and vegetarian options. Hand formed double Angus Beef patty burgers on custom made buns are the star of the show, but the supporting cast is awesome as well. The fries which are hand-tossed in seasoning and served smoking hot are tender inside and crispy outside – kind of like a really fat and crispy chip. The Peppermill discontinued breakfast months before closing but the new Rainbow hopes to reintroduce brunch soon and ultimately bring back many of the longtime customer’s favorites. The casino floor has been updated and features over 56 new games.
Equally important, even in the midst of the COVID pandemic, the Brooks Brothers have been able to bring back jobs to the over 100 former Peppermill employees who have been unemployed for the last six months.
LIFEGUARD ARENA – HOME OF THE HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS
One of the most exciting new developments for the Water Street District, and all of Henderson, is the soon to be completed Lifeguard Arena which will be the home to our very own Henderson Silver Knights! The facility will house two ice rinks, the team headquarters, the MacKenzie River Pizza Restaurant, and the Silver Knights Team Store. Lifeguard Arena is scheduled to receive its certificate of occupancy by the end of October. Once the State of Nevada has approved the pending COVID reopening plan, the arena will be able to officially open to the public for teams and free skate.
HENDERSON EVENTS PLAZA/FESTIVAL STREET
The new Events Plaza and Festival Street adjacent to Lifeguard Arena is also moving along. Improvements continue on the public gathering area which will open this fall with a final completion date in early 2021. Presently, the outdoor seating and curves along Water Street are being constructed. And great news! Water Street is set for reopening to traffic at the beginning of November. The Plaza will feature art design elements that will include two-story Hockey sticks and giant hockey pucks at the entry bridge to the Lifeguard Arena. When open, the Plaza will host community events and Silver Knights viewing parties.
WATER STREET AND VICTORY ROAD ARCHWAY MONUMENT
The Archway at the North End of Water Street will be getting a big makeover to improve the sign readability. The letters on the sign will be increased in size and the colors and background will be improved and the letters will be internally lit.
WATERMARK PROJECT ( ACROSS FROM LIFEGUARD ARENA)
This new development will feature 30,000 square feet of retail space, 52,000 square feet of office space, a food hall, E-gaming, and 138 upscale residential units. Groundbreaking on the project is expected to be held in two-three months.
107 S. WATER STREET (FORMER BANK OF AMERICA BUILDING)
Mojave Brewing opened in February of 2020 and is open for business with a kid and pet-friendly patios and a full-service taproom.
Biscuits & Bourbon restaurant held its soft re-opening in early September and is holding its Grand Opening on October 9, 2020.
The great food and outstanding craft beer of Mojave Brewing and Biscuit’s and Bourbon are yet another reason to make Water Street your destination of choice!
BELLA POINTE (VACANT LAND ADJACENT TO JUAN’S)
This development will feature 40,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, multiple new restaurants, a rooftop bar with views of the entire valley, and 110 apartments
SOUTH END ON WATER PHASE III & IV (Home to Public Works Coffee House)
In addition to housing Public Works Coffee House and TSK Architects, this project has added a private residence in Phase III and Phase IV is currently under construction and will house multiple residential units.
WATER STREET CONNECTION INTO CADENCE
Soon Water Street will be directly accessible to Cadence! Paving will be completed on or about October 8th and street lights will be installed in the second week in October with road striping to be completed on October 20th. The City is working with the developer to have a grand opening in early November.