The Reno Recreation and Parks Commission at its November 15 meeting gave its approval in a 5 to 1 vote to transfer 10,650 square feet (0.24 acres) of Brodhead Memorial Park in downtown Reno to Hokulia Holdings, LLC – a developer proposing to build 36 apartment units on both existing private property adjacent to the park and the park land to be acquired from the City. The City of Reno is an advocate for the project which now moves forward. According to Bill Dunne, Revitalization Manager for the City Manager’s Office, they were surprised by the approval, but pleased. Mr. Dunne wrote that “before any property is transferred, or any building begins, there are still multiple step [sic] in the approval process, which will allow for public input.”

During a walk around I attended with several others concerned about the loss of open space around the existing Truckee River Bike Path and walking trail, the developer stated that they were willing to work to address concerns related to replacement of trees and plants and how to better integrate the project into the remainder of the park, an adjacent alley and street while providing better access. Currently a small part of the bike path is on the developer’s property which would be transferred to the City if the transfer of the park property moves forward as proposed.

The developer during the on site walk said that they were willing to incorporate elements of the One Truckee River Management Plan recently adopted by the City of Reno as well as the City of Sparks and Washoe County.

The area behind the group with the large trees are currently part of Brodhead Park. The trees would  be removed and the site graded to allow for building. The red mark on the bike path in the center of the photo shows the developers property line includes a portion of the existing bike path.

Brodhead Memorial Park in Downtown Reno

One of my chief concerns is that if the property is transferred to the developer, how will the City of Reno be assured that the project will actually be built? Will the property revert to the City if the project isn’t built?

An above ground view of the project area with north at the top of the image.

The apartment complex is envisioned at this time to have 3 buildings with one adjacent to the existing bike path and just west of Wells Avenue bridge. All site elements at this time are subject to change.

The Reno City Council has up for discussion and adoption a proposal by a developer to abandon 10,650 square feet on and adjacent to Brodhead Park in downtown Reno. The agenda item reads:

Council to discuss development options for Brodhead Park property (J.3)

J.3.1 – There will be a presentation, discussion, and potential direction to staff for the authorization to transfer 10,650 square feet of an undeveloped portion of City-owned property identified as Brodhead Park, located at 14 Park Street, to the adjacent property owner, Hokulia Holdings, LLC.

J.3.2 – Council will consider adoption of a Resolution determining that it is in the best interest of the City to convey a vacant and undevelopable portion of Brodhead Park to Hokulia Holdings, LLC, under a development agreement for a multifamily housing development that would increase housing in downtown Reno and enhance Brodhead Park.