riverboat casino reno

Reno's historic River Inn hit with cease and desist order

by Joe Hart

RENO, Nev. (KRNV) — River Inn owner Lawrence McNutt is proud of what he's accomplished in the short time since he purchased the abandoned casino which is nestled along the Truckee River in west Reno.

"We've put a lot of work into this place," he said. "It's much cleaner than it was, it's much safer than it was."

But he's also frustrated after running into a big roadblock with the city of Reno. McNutt says he was surprised when he received a cease and desist letter from the city.

"We did get a notice, a cease and desist, for advertising for camping," McNutt explained during an interview on the property. "That was just a test market for us to see if it would draw some interest."

RELATED | Clean up underway, new dream launched for Reno's old River Inn

McNutt says he came up with the idea of charging people to camp on the property as a way to offset some of his operating costs which are significant he says.

But running a campsite is a business according to the city and to run a business you need a license which McNutt does not have.

"Anyone in the city of Reno conducting any kind of business, you need to have a business license," said Alex Woodley who oversees code enforcement issues for the city.

To get a business license McNutt says he was told he'd first have to pave the entire parking lot and driveway. He says the cost to do that could be upwards of half a million dollars.

McNutt says he was also told the city couldn't budge on this.

"No exceptions, whatsoever," he said.

Many of the city's requirements were not in place when the River Inn was built decades ago. But when someone purchases an older property they have to follow the updated codes and requirements.

The River Inn is also a unique property in a unique location and that's why the city is paying close attention to what happens there, especially in terms of any impacts to the river and water quality.

"Utilities, sewer, it's a delicate issue, any use along the river. There are specific requirements for that," said Woodley.

McNutt says he'll have to chart a new course for the River Inn, whatever that may be. He says he knew there would be challenges with this project. Now he's facing them.

"I was informed we would run into this," he said. "Not gonna name any names but we're running into it."

Many of the current rules and regulations the city enforces were not in place when the River Inn was built many years ago. As new regulations are adopted they are applied when a new owner takes over a business over property according to the city.

Riverside Hotel

The grand 1927 hotel took center stage during Reno's reign as the Divorce Capital of the World.

Widely considered Reno’s birthplace, the site now occupied by the Riverside Hotel has offered some form of lodging for more than 150 years. It was vacant land fronting an obscure ford of the Truckee River until late 1859, when a bankrupt California storekeeper and muleskinner named Charles William Fuller built a bridge across the ford, claiming the land on both sides. He opened a primitive log and dugout “hotel” on the south bank, hoping to capture business from overland travelers and aspiring miners bound for the Comstock.

In mid-1861, Fuller traded the whole operation for a Honey Lake ranch owned by Myron Lake, who, within five years, turned the river crossing into a lucrative enterprise, complete with a new inn he dubbed the Lake House. Lake also bought up land along the river in anticipation of the arrival of the transcontinental railroad.

The inn burned down on December 4, 1868, just a few months after the Central Pacific Railroad began selling lots in the new Reno town site, just north of the river. Lake quickly constructed a new wood-frame hotel that became one of Reno’s finest. In 1888, four years after Myron Lake’s death, his son-in-law took over the Lake House, renaming it the Riverside Hotel.

A new era of luxury dawned in 1906, when Harry Gosse of Virginia City, having purchased the old hotel a decade earlier, replaced it with a four-story brick Chateau-style Riverside Hotel—just in time for Reno’s entrance into the divorce trade. For years, the national media raved about its long-distance telephones, elevator, and stylish patrons. Disaster struck in 1922, when a fire destroyed the entire structure.

Unable to rebuild, Gosse sold the vacant lot for $70,000 to Reno’s most powerful citizen, George Wingfield. The wealthy banker hired prominent architect Frederic DeLongchamps to design a luxury hotel deliberately courting well-to-do divorce-seekers and other travelers. Gothic in style and fully appointed throughout, the stately new six-story Riverside Hotel opened on May 14, 1927.

As the Reno divorce trade gained notoriety, so did the Riverside. Together with the neighboring courthouse and Virginia Street Bridge, the hotel appeared on countless postcards and in articles, novels, and films. The legalization of gambling in 1931 introduced a roulette wheel and 21 game, while a 1950 expansion added 84 rooms along with a swimming pool, a theater-restaurant, casino, and dance floor. The Riverside stage featured some of the top acts in show business, from Frank Sinatra to Jimmy Durante.

In 1955, Wingfield sold the hotel to Mert and Lou Wertheimer, and the next few decades brought multiple changes in ownership and periodic closures. The casino folded for good in 1986, and the hotel and restaurants followed in 1987.

The building faced demolition in 1997, until the local Sierra Arts Foundation partnered with Artspace, a Minneapolis-based developer of historic properties, to convert the original hotel rooms into 35 low-income artist lofts. The west addition was demolished, and the renovated Riverside re-opened in 2000 with the offices of Sierra Arts and other retail ventures occupying the ground floor. The Riverside Hotel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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8 Best Places to Retire in Nevada

The best places to retire in Nevada have stunning natural beauty, plenty of things to do, and more.

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When deciding where to retire, there are many things to consider, including housing costs, access to healthcare, recreation, and tax benefits. One of the first things retirees will want to know about moving to Nevada is that there is no state income tax. Plus, Nevada’s property tax is about half of the national average (at 0.48 percent, according to SmartAsset).

The financial benefits, coupled with Nevada’s natural beauty and amenities, make The Silver State an enticing option for active retirees. “Nevada offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and vibrant cultural scenes, making it an attractive destination for those looking to retire,” said Tracie Barnthouse, chief communications officer for Travel Nevada.

Here are eight of the best places to retire in Nevada, according to local experts.

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Located at the southern tip of the state, Laughlin sits along the banks of the Colorado River where Arizona, California, and Nevada meet.

There’s plenty to do year-round in this riverfront city. The Laughlin Riverwalk is home to seven of the area’s nine resorts. It includes a mile-long paved walkway with easy access to dining, casinos, water taxis, and riverboat cruises.

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike. This outdoor playground offers everything from kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, and swimming to picnicking, bird watching, fishing, boating, and camping.

Laughlin is a great place for road trippers, too. Las Vegas and surrounding sites, including Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, and Lake Mead, are all less than two hours away. The Grand Canyon is just over three hours away, and Phoenix, Arizona, is just over three and a half hours away.

Laughlin also offers retirees affordability. “The Laughlin market is great. You can still buy a two or three-bedroom home under $300,000 or a condominium under $200,000,” says Kevin Barbarita, a longtime Laughlin resident and broker and owner of Barbarita Realty Consultants.

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Mesquite, Nevada, is just 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. This small city is known for its golf courses, but it also offers natural beauty, resorts, and plenty of additional outdoor recreation.

Mesquite is a golf lovers paradise, with multiple courses designed by celebrity golfers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Panks, a well-known golf course architect. There are nine easily accessible courses, all within about 10 minutes of the area’s resorts.

For retirees looking for outdoor adventures, Valley of Fire State Park is less than an hour away, while Lake Mead and Gold Butte National Monument can be reached in less than two hours. To escape the mid-day heat, residents and visitors can relax at an area spa or check out the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum or Mesquite Fine Arts Center & Gallery.

For retirees who want big-city amenities nearby, Las Vegas is less than 90 minutes away. That includes Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which offers direct flights to over 150 cities worldwide.

Boulder City

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Boulder City is located less than 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and offers residents an entirely different vibe than Sin City.

It’s at the doorstep of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the largest manmade lake in the U.S. The Black Canyon Water Trail is a 30-mile water trail on the lower Colorado River. Perfect for kayaks and canoes, it starts at the Hoover Dam and runs to Eldorado Canyon.

The Boulder City Historic District is brimming with dining and shopping, and it offers a glimpse into the past. Originally built in the 1930s for Hoover Dam workers, it boasts over 400 preserved vintage structures. There’s even a self-guided walking tour that highlights 67 murals and sculptures that depict the town’s history.

However, there’s one thing you won’t find in Boulder City — casinos. It’s one of the few cities in Nevada that prohibits gaming.

Carson City

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Located less than 30 minutes from beautiful Lake Tahoe , Carson City is a small city that’s perfect for retirees. It’s part of Carson Valley, which also includes Minden, Topaz Lake, and Gardnerville.

Since 1996, Nevada’s capital city has had a Quality of Life Initiative, which develops and maintains green space, trails, and recreation facilities. “It ensures all trails, parks, and open space will continue to be accessible to residents,” said David Peterson, executive director of Visit Carson City.

Carson City residents enjoy four seasons a year with mild winters and 300 days of sunshine.

“While the mountains offer seasonal recreational opportunities, there are also fantastic year-round activities available, including excellent golf, hiking, and fishing to keep active throughout the year,” said Peterson. One of the city’s highlights is the Kit Carson Trail, a walking path through the town’s historic district that passes almost 50 historic landmarks.

History buffs will want to visit the Nevada State Museum and Nevada State Railroad Museum. There’s also a vintage 24-mile round-trip train ride between Carson City and Virginia City.

Carson City’s cost of living is lower than surrounding areas, with a median home price under $540,000 in June 2024, according to Peterson. This makes it a great place for retirees who value affordability.

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“For those seeking a charming small-town feel, Genoa in the Carson Valley is a hidden gem with a rich history and natural beauty,” said Barnthouse. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Genoa (pronounced "juh-NO-ah”) is the oldest permanent settlement in the state.

The Genoa Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers shopping and dining plus easy access to Mormon Station State Historic Park. Those looking for outdoor adventures have plenty to choose from. River Fork Ranch Preserve is an 800-acre space offering trails and wetlands, while the Genoa Trail System has over 17 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Plus, Genoa Lakes Golf Club has two championship courses.

That all comes at a cost, though. According to Realtor.com, the average home price in Genoa is 1.3 million, which may be too steep for many retirees.

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Elko is the largest town in northeast Nevada. Western culture thrives in Elko, which is home to the Silver State Stampede (the oldest rodeo in Nevada), numerous historic saloons, and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

But it’s not all about cowboys. Elko has a vibrant arts scene, too. Not only does this town host the National Basque Festival, but it’s also home to the Northeastern Nevada Museum, which features work from both international and local artists. Downtown Elko features over 60 colorful murals scattered throughout the buildings and streets.

Sitting at around 5,000 feet in elevation, with the Ruby Mountains just 30 minutes south, Elko is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, cycling, and skiing.

Just outside of Las Vegas is Henderson, Nevada’s second-largest city. It’s a great home base, offering dining, shopping, entertainment, arts, and outdoor adventure. Henderson has 10 golf courses, 180 miles of hiking and biking trails, and water activities at Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas.

Art lovers will enjoy the downtown art district, which is packed with murals and galleries. Animal lovers will enjoy the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, with over 270 species of birds, and Lion Habitat Ranch, an animal sanctuary dedicated to protecting and advocating for wild lions.

For retirees who enjoy relaxing with a drink, there’s Henderson’s Artisan Booze District, where breweries, distilleries, and wineries are creating some of the most interesting craft beverages in the state.

Henderson has eight recreation centers, including two designed just for seniors. It is also an AARP Age-friendly Community , which means local officials have committed to making the city more livable for residents of all ages. Projects have included things like building a community garden, installing public art, and adding bike racks.

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Reno, Nevada, is known for its casinos, but this city has so much more to offer to retirees. “With access to top-notch healthcare, an affordable cost of living, and a tax-friendly environment, retirees in Reno Tahoe can focus on living comfortably and stretching their savings,” said Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of Reno Tahoe.

The Downtown Reno Riverwalk boasts shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment along the Truckee River. In the middle of it all is Wingfield Park, an area that hosts concerts and events and is a favorite spot for swimming, kayaking, and river tubing. Greater Nevada Field, home of the Reno Aces (the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate), is also located along the Truckee River. Just south of the river is the Midtown District, which is brimming with boutiques, art galleries, music venues, and bars.

Reno is part of the AARP Network of Age-friendly Communities. Over the years, projects have included installing community gardens, shuffleboard, cornhole, and bocce ball courts at the Center for Healthy Aging, providing technology classes for older adults, and offering all-terrain wheelchairs designed for outdoor exploration at Truckee River Whitewater Park.

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