Has the power and influence of Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh spoiled the good intentions of the Downtown Project in Las Vegas?
Ed Komenda takes a critical look at the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Las Vegas. The recent investments in the historic corner of Las Vegas have won praise and political support for Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, the driving force behind the effort.
After taking over former location of Las Vegas City Hall for the corporate headquarters of Zappos, Hsieh launched the Downtown Project, a “$350 million campaign to transform the area around his new corporate home into a respectable, moneymaking core of commerce and culture. The project plans to invest $200 million in real estate, $50 million in small businesses, $50 million in education and $50 million in tech startups through the Vegas TechFund.”
But while Hsieh has been celebrated for the revival of Downtown Las Vegas, Komenda’s article wonders whether Hsieh has too much power and influence in the neighborhood.
“What could have been a groundbreaking community like San Diego’s Gaslamp District or New Orleans’ Bourbon Street has been transformed into Hsieh’s personal bubble, where it’s either his way or get out of the way, critics say.”
FULL STORY: Is Tony Hsieh downtown Las Vegas’ savior or conqueror?
Tony Hsieh's Legacy in Las Vegas
Tony Hsieh, who achieved international fame as head both of Zappos and the Downtown Project in Las Vegas, died in November. Several articles made an account of the Downtown Project's track record.
Leadership Change, Layoffs for Las Vegas Downtown Project
The high-profile Downtown Project in Las Vegas, led by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, made the wrong kind of news this week.
Five Years Later: Zappos Founder's Downtown Las Vegas Project
Tony Hsieh laid out a grand ambition two create a more dynamic downtown in Las Vegas that would change cities all over the world. Now, after a series of setbacks and with dwindling funds, that vision seems unlikely to be realized.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions