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Creating Our Own Style

I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.

Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in [city] to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO

September 2024

PUBLISHER

Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Nora Heston Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Liza Belka, Erin Hanna-Butros Meyering, Nora Heston Tarte

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mike Alt, Hannah Elicegui, Jared Emerson, Eric Marks, Matt Nelson, Jakob Shepherd

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Whitney Peak held several events to commemorate its 10 year anniversary, including a ribbon cutting. 2: NV Lt. Gov. Anthony Stavros, Pete Copeland at the GRBR media preview event July 19. 3: The Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce celebrates Christmas in July at the Grand Sierra Resort. 4: Tons of spectators headed to Old Greenwood in Truckee for the Barracuda Championship. 5: Attendees pose at Safe Embrace's Hot Havana Nights fundraiser, National Automobile Museum July 20.

GATTUSO COALITION

CHRISTIAN THOMAS

NEIL LOCKHART

Photo by Joan Marcus

BARS & BROADWAY

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE BROADWAY AT THE BARS COMBINES FOOD AND ART

What goes together better than a high-quality, star-studded Broadway show and a perfectly themed (and delicious) craft cocktail from a local restaurant?

Yeah, we don’t know either.

The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts has announced its lineup for the 2024-2025 Broadway Comes to Reno series (if you don’t have tickets yet, visit www.pioneercenter. com). And while the theater plays Some Like it Hot and The Book of Mormon , local restaurants are turning out cocktails to match the theme of the show.

The efforts have been ongoing and are quickly gaining traction while adding new restaurants to the mix. “We decided to participate in Broadway at the Bars because it uniquely blends programming and a creative expression through mixology,” says Jackie Quintero of Granite Street Eatery. “This event not only allows us to showcase our technical skills in designing drinks that perfectly capture the essence of the Broadway shows but also gives us the opportunity to engage with a diverse audience in a fun and interactive way.”

Granite Street Eatery participated in the program last year, too, with cocktails for shows including Pretty in Pink. This year, they have a carrot-infused vodka drink on the menu for the season’s opening show, Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical (Sept. 3-8). The drink is a nod to the scene where Mrs. Doubtfire makes dinner using the ingredient. “We will be mixing it with Jack Fire and Carolan’s for a sweet cinnamon kick. The rim of the glass will have graham crackers and a dehydrated carrot twist.”

Wild River Grille

Granite Street Eatery isn’t the only location participating. Wild River Grille goes above and beyond with an entire menu for Broadway guests—not just drinks. “Sharing our love for the Arts while showcasing a delicious theatre inspired cocktail was the perfect fit,” says Reto Gross, General Manager of Wild River Grille. “Especially since we already do a theatre inspired four-course dinner during the week of every Broadway show.”

Wild River Grille closed out the season with a To Kill a Mockingbird dinner and drink special in June. Each course played to major themes and characters in the show from Miss Calpurina’s shrimp and grits to Mr. Radley’s Scrumptious Gift for dessert (candied peach turnover with oat cookie crumble and vanilla bean ice cream).

SPICY TEQUILA GIMLET

Shim’s Tavern

The drink is a play on the name Doubtfire, using jalapeno tequila to create heat. “You doubt the fire,” Nicholas Bealer says of the drink he created for Shim’s Tavern.

ingredients

• 1.5 oz. Casamigas

Jalapeno Tequila

• ½ oz. triple sec

• ½ oz. lime juice

• ½ oz. simple syrup

directions

Shake together in a glass with ice. Strain over a rocks glass and add garnish.

“As for my favorite cocktail, that would hands-down be our Pretty Woman Cosmo,” Gross says. “It was created with a house-made blood orange simple syrup, local Tahoe Blue Vodka, a splash of fresh squeezed lime juice, and topped with rosemary infused cranberry juice.”

The To Kill a Mockingbird sipper was a margarita called Tequila Mockingbird.

“Our fantastic bartenders are still working on making a memorable cocktail for Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical but be assured it will undoubtably taste so delicious that your dentures might want to stay in the glass,” Gross teases.

More bars participate and the list is still growing. Other places you can grab a Broadway-inspired cocktail include Sierra Tap House, Ole Bridge Pub, The Brewer’s Cabinet, and several restaurants within Rancharrah including the Clubhouse itself (if you are a member).

Shim's Tavern, photo by Mike Alt

Hey, Cowboy

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS

Reno’s Jake Jacobson is poised to take off

Jack Jacobson knows what it means to grind. A budding country star born in Reno; Jacobson has lived everywhere from Northern California to Nashville (where he spends about 50% of his time). But the road to stardom hasn’t been a straight one, instead it’s a bit winding, much like those dirt ones he’s often singing about.

Jacobson and his band started to find success before the pandemic, playing their first live show at Virginia Street Brewhouse in 2019, and they quickly booked four more. But it all came to a screeching halt in 2020. “We had to go back to square one,” he says.

Like many artists, Jacobson turned to social media to stay relevant. He started making weekly cover videos and engaging with followers on Facebook and Instagram live streams. When he played Randall King’s, “Hey Cowgirl” one week, the performance exploded on Twitter. King saw it and retweeted it. Two days later, Scott Gunter, both King and Cody Johnson’s manager, was in his inbox.

In June 2021, they got back on the road, playing 30 shows, sometimes with King.

In 2022, that doubled to 60. And in 2023, Jacobson and his band played 114 shows, often headlining on their own and at times opening for other acts.

August 2023 also saw Jacobson’s second EP titled “Reno,” produced by Joey Hyde, a Nashville talent who has worked with Ryan Hurd and Lindsay Ell.

MADE IN NEVADA

“I don’t want to be one of those people who gets to Nashville and forgets where they came from,” Jacobson says. “Being from Reno is a special thing.” In fact, all of Jacobson’s bandmates are from Nevada, and his sponsors—aside from AT&T—are Nevada businesses. “We try to keep everything as homegrown as we can.”

In addition to several shows played at the Brewhouse, Jacobson also booked the Reno Rodeo Kickoff Concert in both 2021 (opening for Kip Moore and Travis Denning) and 2022 (opening for Justin Moore).

“It is a high-energy, honky tonkin’ damn time, that’s what it is.”

His roots in the city run deep, and while it’s hard to call anywhere home right now, the majority of his stuff, at least, resides in Reno.

COMPETITIVE ROOTS

Singing professionally was a dream realized later in life, after Jacobson dropped out of college and decided a nine to five wasn't the path for him. It is, of course, something he’s always loved, dating back to singing “Neon Moon” by Brooks and Dunn with his dad’s country band at 4 years old.

While his music career is less than a decade old, Jacobson is no stranger to competition and hard work. He spent his early years traveling the world as a competitive trampoline gymnast on the U.S. National Team and later tried aerial gymnastics before trading his leotard in for a cowboy hat.

ON STAGE

Jacobson says his personal style of music is neo-traditional country. There’s a specific modern country influence, but he doesn’t want you to mistake it for

Texas-style. “That’s completely wrong,” he says. Instead, consider his influences: Keith Whitley, George Strait, John Michael Montgomery, Randy Travis, Josh Turner, and Cody Johnson—to name a few.

“It is a high-energy, honky tonkin’ damn time, that’s what it is,” Jacobson says, adding live shows are bound to be rowdy. “We like to have a good time and make sure everyone else in the crowd is having a good time, too.”

For now, Jacobson and his band are playing a revolving door of venues. They are working to get more music out, but he admits the struggles of an independent artist are largely financial. “My goal is to put out an entire album,” he says, adding recording one song costs around $6,000.

Until then, you can catch the group on the road. The band’s territory is everywhere west of the Mississippi River—playing Iowa to California.

“Everything that we do, we do it, one, because we love doing it but, [two] because everybody in my camp has a likeminded goal… you’ve got to make sacrifices… to achieve that goal.”

art for everyone

ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUSTRO MEYERING

“From its first edition, the RTIA Show was designed as a totally unique art fair experience centered on a fun, welcoming environment celebrating the creative energy of the region,” says RTIA COO Briana Dolan, who founded the Reno Fine Arts Collective in 2021 with her father Kevin O’Keefe, CEO.

The annual art show, held Sept 12-15 at the RenoSparks Convention Center, brings 300 exhibitors, this year from 20 countries and 20 U.S. states. Live music, local brewery tastings, diverse panel discussions, and short films all make the RTIA Show distinctive from other regional fairs.

As one of the fastest growing art events in the nation, the RTIA Show boasts one of the largest indoor sculpture presentations, including a 600-foot sculpture walk and space dedicated to over a dozen massive artworks from Burning Man. Special features this year include an International Basque Art showcase, a Surrealism Exhibition with original Salvador Dali works, and a free music festival.

The RTIA Show supports community, not only by expanding its exposure and involving various local art students, but also through financial philanthropy. Silent auctions will be held where all proceeds benefit youth at Eddy House and Rennervation Foundation.

Reno Tahoe International Art Show brings big variety to Reno

Photo By Jared Emerson

FAMILY STYLE

Flow Designs creates a family of five’s dream home in Caughlin Ranch

ARTICLE BY NORA HESTON TARTE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT NELSON, MOUSEPAD MEDIA

When Kristen Giacomini got the call about redesigning a Caughlin Ranch home for a family of five, she did what she does best—she started building a relationship with the client. Instead of putting her own ideas onto paper, Giacomini took the time to understand the wants and needs of the family,

“It's kind of like we're the fairy godmothers, waving our magic wands and making dreams a reality,”

–Kristin Giacomini

as well as their own aesthetic. Then, in true Flow Designs fashion, she elevated it.

“The mom, dad, and three boys were looking for a space that would suit their busy lives and give them room to entertain friends without feeling cramped,” Giacomini explains.

Individual asks included a chef’s kitchen the mother could cook and bake in, as well as a well-organized pantry with plenty of storage.

There was a desire for a space for the boys to play, a workout room, and a more functional layout that would keep every member of the family from feeling like they were on-top of each other.

Working with a trusted contractor, Giacomini and her Flow Designs team brought the vision to life. “We got creative with the layout of the entire home, adding a new workout room and turning old spaces into

comfortable areas for everyone. The dining room was transformed into a walk-in pantry, and a cozy reading room was created for the mom to relax in and have some quiet time away from the boys,” she details. “We even made sure there was a storage closet big enough to roll in and out the Christmas tree with ease!”

The basement became an oasis for the boys. There was a large walk-in storage closet to keep clutter out of sight and a game room so the boys could have an area of the house that felt like their own. There was even leftover space for a home gym the whole family could use.

One large, poorly designed bathroom was split into two, a great addition for a family with three growing boys living in it.

“We touched every part of the home (except the main bedroom and bathroom) to create a better flow

and more functional space for the whole family to enjoy,” Giacomini says.

“When we started the project, we knew that the most important thing was to make sure we understood our client's desires. We spent time talking with them to really get a sense of what they were looking for,” Giacomini recalls. “They wanted a space that felt organized, functional, and had plenty of storage—things that would make their daily lives flow.”

While the contractors got to work on bringing the vision to life through remodeling, moving walls, etc., Giacomini focused on the design concept. Giacomini and the client agreed on a color palate of dark blues contrasted by warm whites. Personality was infused into the space through bold wallpaper, colorful pillows, eye-catching rugs, and joyous artwork. “We used pops of vibrant colors throughout the space through carefully selected accessories,” Giacomini says.

While function was important, the devil is always in the details. Giacomini selected Deckton slabs for the kitchen and butler’s pantry and in order to support an always-clean aesthetic, cabinets were added to every room for storage.

In the end, Flow Designs created a space that felt both personal and fun. “We wanted our client to feel like they were walking into a space that was uniquely theirs, a space that brought them joy and made them feel right at home.”

Top: Photo By Hannah Elicegui

THE EVOLUTION OF RENO ARCHITECTURE

ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA

A BLEND OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY

Reno boasts a rich architectural history that mirrors its dynamic cultural evolution. From its origins as a small railroad town to its current status as a bustling city, Reno’s architecture reflects its history of growth, adaptation, and innovation. This month, we explore Reno's architectural journey through insights from local experts.

Reno’s architectural identity began taking shape with the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad, which connected Sacramento to Utah and accelerated the city’s growth. Officially becoming a town on May 9, 1868, Reno’s early architecture featured wooden structures and “crude dwellings.” As the city developed, Victorian homes in styles such as Queen Anne, Italianate, and Gothic Revival started to emerge.

Kassandra Andicoechea-Schmaling, MA, a local historian and University of Nevada, Reno graduate, underscores the role of early water access in Reno’s development: “Much of Nevada’s history centers around water access, which is no different in Reno. The founding of Reno is attributed to a toll bridge established in 1859 by E.W. Fuller.” This bridge was crucial for transporting materials like mineral ore, which was essential for the area’s growth.

The 1930s marked a significant shift in Reno’s architecture, reflecting the city’s prosperity and the rise in fascination with Art Deco styles. During this period, Reno emerged as a hotspot for quick divorces, attracting wealthy individuals who commissioned luxurious buildings in this distinctive style.

Andicoechea-Schmaling notes, "With divorce and gambling tourism in the 1930s, we see a lot of Art Deco inspiration, especially evident in the original 1927 Reno Arch. However, with the divorce requirements at just a six-week residency, many tourists opted for long-term rentals, hotels, or dude ranch stays, resulting in many Art Deco style hotels and casinos."

Following World War II, Reno embraced mid-century modernism, characterized by sleek, minimalist designs that prioritized form and function. Many mid-century-style homes can still be found in the King’s Row neighborhood in Northwest Reno.

Jeff Frame, AIA, NCARB, Owner and Principal Architect of Frame Architecture, elaborates: "Mid-century modernism was about breaking away from traditional forms and exploring new materials and construction techniques. Reno’s architects were inspired by global movements and adapted them to the local context, creating buildings that were both innovative and harmonious with the surrounding landscape."

Recent decades have seen Reno blend historical architecture with contemporary innovations. A notable example is 347 West Street, a mid-1800s home recently sold for $1 by Jacobs Entertainment Inc. “We decided to preserve and move the home from the path of redevelopment. The parcel and adjacent land will be part of the redevelopment of the W. 4th Street corridor, now known as J Resort’s Reno Neon Line,” shared Christopher Mazanec, Director of Real Estate Developments at Jacobs Entertainment Inc. The project is set to relocate west of Reno, with a target completion at the end of the month.

Lake Mansion, another preserved building, has been moved twice and now serves as Arts for All Nevada, hosting public events. Additionally, community input has played a role in developments like the Reno Ice project. “The South Valleys Park master plan was updated to include an Aquatics Center and additional fields, balancing community desires with project feasibility,” shared Frame.

Efforts to adapt the reuse of historic sites have continued to be integrated into Reno’s development strategy, breathing new life into the city. For instance, today, you can still venture to local parks and businesses and find remnants of the historic Mapes Hotel, which was once the tallest building in Nevada when it opened in 1947. Furthermore, recent collaborative efforts between local architects, historians, real estate professionals, and residents have led to successful historical integration into urban planning. These projects not only enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal but also foster a sense of community and pride among Reno’s residents.

As Reno grows, it inevitably is set for further evolution. Emerging trends include sustainable design, mixed-use developments, and smart technologies. Architects and developers are increasingly focused on creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible, and adaptable to changing needs.

Frame predicts, "Reno's architecture will continue to evolve with more sustainable solutions. Factors such as the economy, code requirements, client preference, and energy costs will push us toward more sustainable architecture. Innovations in workplace design are dominating our designs, with modern workspaces becoming more collaborative and pushing innovation."

To date, Reno’s architectural evolution reflects the city’s vibrant history and forward-thinking spirit. As Reno continues to grow, experts and community members like Andicoechea-Schmaling, Frame, and Mazanec are dedicated to shaping its future while honoring its architectural heritage. Their efforts, alongside community members like you, ensure that Reno’s architectural legacy will continue to inspire and captivate future generations.

Jeff Frame, Photo Courtesy of Frame Architecture

West Street Property, Photo Courtesy of Jakob Shepherd

Luxury Has Arrived

Behind these welcoming gates is a collection of 24 estate homesites, several of which include bespoke architectural designs for landmark residences. Glenhaven is the long-awaited opportunity to enjoy the luxuries of space, privacy, and panoramic views of the Sierra, all in a location that’s accessible to conveniences (and tax-advantaged!). Come, walk the land and stake your claim to Reno’s most desirable new address.

SEPTEMBER 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 3RD - 8TH

Mrs. Doubtfire

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The first show of the 2024-2025 season as part of the Broadway Comes to Reno program is the beloved tale of everyone’s favorite dad turned nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire.

SEPTEMBER 6TH - 8TH

The Great Reno Balloon Race

San Rafael Regional Park

The world’s largest free hot air balloon event returns for three days in September. Come down to the park and enjoy the show, which kicks off with a glow party before sunrise. This year’s theme is “Women in Aviation.”

SEPTEMBER 6TH - 8TH

65th Annual International Camel & Ostrich Races

Virginia City

It’s a one-of-a-kind event; come see amateurs and professionals ride everything from camels to ostriches, and even zebras! The town comes alive for this kooky festivity with a long history in VC.

SEPTEMBER 21ST - 22ND

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Alongside the Reno Philharmonic, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre brings the story of Alice in Wonderland to life with vibrant dances and intricate costumes.

SEPTEMBER 26TH - 29TH

Street Vibrations Fall Rally

Multiple Locations

Motorcyclist enthusiasts unite! Street Vibrations is back in Northern Nevada for its fall event, featuring motorcycles, music, and more across Reno, Tahoe, Carson City, and Virginia City.

SEPTEMBER 26TH

Rollin' Reno

Locomotion Plaza | 6:00 PM

Grab your roller skates and get moving! Underneath the Reno Arch, the Downtown Reno Partnership is hosting its second Reno roller skating event.

Want to be featured?

Financial goals aren’t achieved overnight. Whether it’s investing some extra income, preparing a future for your family with your retirement secured, or saving for a home or education costs, we’re here to coach you through it. We’re ready when you are. Contact us today.

Jim Morman, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

Marina Town Centre

325 Harbour Cove Dr, Suite 221 Sparks, NV 89434

775-353-1039

Designing Fun

5 WAYS THE DISCOVERY INSPIRES YOUNG LEARNERS

Want to explore a world built with the youngest learners in mind? The Discovery focuses on encouraging education through fun exhibits, exclusive programming, and more. Read on for five ways to enjoy the space.

SMALL WONDER WEDNESDAY

For the museum’s youngest learners, The Discovery opens an hour early—9 a.m.—every Wednesday to allow families with children ages 5 and under to have the entire museum to themselves. Small Wonder Wednesday includes special hands-on programs and story time.

CAMP DISCOVERY

When school is out, Camp Discovery is in! Camp Discovery offers week-long, themed camps for students in kindergarten through 7th grade. Each camp is interactive and totally fun, and campers leave excited about science and ready to explore the world around them.

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

A staple of The Discovery’s educational offerings in the school field trip program. In addition to museum exploration, a field trip includes a hands-on Discovery Lab activity aligned to curriculum standards.

FEATURED EXHIBITIONS

Stop by for featured exhibitions available for a limited time. Through September 8, The Discovery will feature Mental Health: Mind Matters. Through hands-on, interactive, and immersive multimedia activities, visitors of every age can explore mental health and how it can be improved.

LITTLE DISCOVERIES

Although young learners will find exciting exhibitions throughout the museum, The Discovery has one space dedicated just to young learners. In Little Discoveries, visitors ages 5 and under can roll and creep, sit and stand, look and feel, pile and build, explore and discover.