BLVDS Las Vegas "Making It" Feb/March 2011 issue 24

issue 24

community l culture l design l flavor

WHAT’S YOUR

AIDSWALK

COLOR?

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ARTICLES & HIGHLIGHTS

COMMUNIT Y Spotlights Tony Hsieh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stephanie Goodman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 12

BLVDS Our Own Stor y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14

Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada Well-Tended Dream Thrives in Tough Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Making It 14

C U LT U R E Fremont East Fer tile Ground for Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Trifecta Galler y An Exhibition of Optimism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

Upcoming Events Check Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . .

Fremont East 22

30

DESIGN In the Realm of Green Design Local Couple Turns Glass into Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34

Mikel Patrik Galler y An Ar tful Endeavor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36

F L AV O R Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar A Great Idea Takes Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40

Living La Vida Moda Fashion and Passion at Patty ’s Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45

Realm of Green Design 34

ON THE COVER: PIXEL Micro Multi by Mikel Patrik ©Alex Rodriguez THIS PAGE FROM TOP: BLVDS launch party ©BLVDS; The Beat ©Alex Rodriguez; Realm of Design entrance ©Greg

Firefly 40

Warden; Tapas at Firefly ©Greg Warden

b l vd s l v. c o m

issue 24 m a k i n g i t B L V D S L a s V e g a s 5

in th i s i ssu e

what’s inside

f ro m t h e p u b li sh er

THE BLVDS TEAM With this issue we are celebrating BLVDS 4th birthday. Like many of the companies in the stories in this “Making It” issue, we are in business because we love what we do. The last few years have been a tremendous test for everyone, especially small businesses. The people we have highlighted all talk about their passion for what they do which gives them the will to endure and to thrive.

Our community is in constant motion and Downtown is seeing plenty of it. From the announcement that Zappo’s will be moving into the City of Las Vegas building to the growth on Fremont East to Marty Walsh’s leap of faith into a larger space for her art gallery Trifecta, there are many positive developments to be excited about.

In Design, we take you to a company in Green Valley that has added to their product lineup by creating architectural elements made from recycled bottles collected from some of the hotels on the Strip. And in the Emergency Arts Building you will fi nd a little art Gallery, “Mikel Patrik,” owned by Michael Patrick Thieme whose art graces our cover. His designs were recently picked up by a rug maker, so people can enjoy art under their feet.

And to fi nish this issue off we take you to the Firefl y Tapas Kitchen & Bar, a fun restaurant that had a part in the beginning of BLVDS. During the last few years Chef/Owner John Simmons has grown his business from one restaurant to three locations. We also share the story of how Patty and Juan Barbas have grown their boutique clothing business, Patty’s Closet, because of their business model.

After you’ve read all about them, go out and check out all of these wonderful businesses that are “making it” and making Las Vegas a fabulous place to live!

Jan Craddock President & Publisher Sherri Kaplan COO & Co-Publisher Pat Marvel Consulting Editor Kimberly Schaefer Managing Editor Randi Daniels Ar t Direction & Design Diane Bush Photo Editor

EDITORIAL BOARD

Brian Paco Alvarez Tracy Bower Durette Candito Audrie Dodge Rober t Dorgan Gina Gavan Nancy Higgins Wendy Jordan Wendy Kveck Pam Lang Randi Chaplin-Matushevitz Rob McCoy Jason Roth Kimberly Maxson-Rushton Karen Rubel Kristin Sande Rick Sellers Kimberly Trueba

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Becky Bosshar t Laura Coronado Joyce Gorsuch Brock Radke Kimberly Schaefer Eric Schellhorn Shaun Franklin-Sewell

PHOTOGRAPHY

Berdine Briones-Lefkowitz Diane Bush Chris Cutler Alex Rodriguez Greg Warden

CONTAC T US

1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy, Suite 440-178 Henderson, NV 89074 (p) 386.6065 blvdslv.com

Cheers!

Jan Craddock , Publisher Copyright 2011 by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every eff ort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.

6 B L V D S L a s V e g a s m a k i n g i t i s s u e 2 4

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b l vd s l v. c o m

Please Stay On The Trails The Desert Conservation Program and its partners promote responsible use of our desert resources.

www.accessclarkcounty.com or www.mojavemax.com

issue 07

issue 09

community B LV D S L A S V E G A S

issue 13

culture

design

flavor

issue 14

issue 16

kids & family June/July 2009

culture

design

flavor

issue 14

community

community

culture

design

flavor

community

culture

design

flavor

issue 22

community l culture l design l flavor

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT THAT CREATED BLVDS MAGAZINE AND HAS SUSTAINED IT THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA BECAME A REALITY THANKS TO THE VISION OF ITS FOUNDER AND SUPPORTERS WHO BELIEVE THAT THE WORKING UNINSURED IN OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD GET THE HEALTHCARE THEY NEED.

BLVDS COMMUNIT Y the local spotlight ARTICLES Spotlights Tony Hsieh Bringing Zappos’ Culture Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Stephanie Goodman Building a Business on Client Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 BLVDS Our Own Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 issue 23

issue 24

Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada Well-Tended Dream Thrives in Tough Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

THIS PAGE: Issues of BLVDS Las Vegas ©BLVDS

community l culture l design l flavor

community l culture l design l flavor

com m u n i t y

THIS ISSUE PROVIDES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT

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• Henderson City Council, Ward 2 • Lied Institute for Real Estate • • • •

• • • •

Studies, Executive Director, UNLV (1996-2009) Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities, SecretaryTreasurer, Present City of Henderson Planning Commission, Member, 2004-2009 Henderson Community Foundation, Secretary Board Member, 2007-Present Urban Land Institute Nevada, Vice Chair 2007-2009, founding board member 1990 and member since Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Member, 2005-Present Leadership Henderson, Founding Board and 1st Year Advance Chair USO Advisory Council, Member, Present Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Commissioner, 2009 to Present

TONY HSIEH

BRINGING ZAPPOS’ CULTURE DOWNTOWN In his book Delivering Happiness, Zappos CEO

community. “It’s like a

Tony Hsieh writes about the importance of

joining of tribes,” he says. “I

developing personal emotional connections—

envision a time when I can

with friends, co-workers, and customers. Hsieh

walk into any bar or café

has made a personal emotional connection

along East Fremont and see

with Las Vegas and that connection is certain to

a Zappos employee.”

benefit our entire community.

Also in keeping with Zappos, founded in 1999, relocated from

another Zappos value,

northern California in 2004. The company is

“create fun and a little

currently located in Henderson, but it’s the plan

weirdness,” Hsieh’s plans

to move Downtown that currently has the name

for the company’s new

Zappos on the tip of every Las Vegan’s tongue.

campus may incorporate some very unconventional

Members of the Las Vegas City Council have

design elements. “I’ve

described the move as a “tipping point” in the

been meeting with the

ongoing redevelopment of Downtown. Mayor

guys from the zipline.

Goodman, the original dreamer of the Downtown

We’re talking about the

dream, calls the relocation of Zappos to what is

possibility of somehow

“It’s like a joining of tribes. I envision a time

currently City Hall “a watershed moment” in our

having a zipline from the

city’s history.

when I can walk into any bar or café along East

building to other spots

Fremont and see a Zappos employee.”

Hsieh never envisioned having such an impact.

“As I was working all these years, I never thought that Zappos would become more than a company—that it would become so important

downtown,” he says.

Imagine traveling from your workplace to your

What makes you say, “wow”?

favorite Fremont East watering hole via zipline.

When someone is really passionate about something. It doesn’t really matter what they’re

to a community,” says Hsieh. But the Downtown

Despite his high-flying ideas for the Zappos’

community has become important to Hsieh,

offices, it’s Hsieh’s very grounded, real-life personal

particularly the area of Fremont East which he

emotional connection with the Downtown

likens to Austin, Texas. He frequents the area, and

community that is central to the relocation. He

it was during one of those visits that the idea of

frequents the bars there; he’s made friends with

the Zappos move first struck Hsieh.

people who own businesses there; he loves

What’s next?

eating sandwiches at The Beat. Quite simply, he is

Helping revitalize Downtown Las Vegas.

committed to the Downtown dream and excited

We’re excited about basically being at the

about the possibilities created by joining his tribe

beginning of transforming Downtown. This

with the tribe that already exists there.

whole ecosystem will feed off itself and not

In his examination of the science and psychology of happiness, Hsieh cites two important factors that contribute to individual happiness: feeling connected with others and doing working that is meaningful. He describes that feeling of connectedness with others as having a “tribe,”

actually passionate about, but their enthusiasm almost always rubs off onto me and helps give me a new appreciation for whatever it is they’re interested in.

only be transformative for Zappos, but also be transformative for Downtown Las Vegas.

a word he uses for the people of Zappos. He sees a similar sense of connectedness amongst the dedicated members of the Downtown

b l vd s l v. c o m

issue 24 m a k i n g i t B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 1

t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t C O M M U N I T Y

STEPHANIE GOODMAN

BUILDING A BUSINESS ON CLIENT COMMITMENT Following stints at large local communications

advertising, marketing, and consulting agency

What’s one thing you want to do before you die?

firms and service as Las Vegas Mayor Oscar

with a total of five full-time employees, a network

I would probably want to make a point of traveling

Goodman’s chief of staff, Stephanie Goodman,

of freelance writers and designers, and offices

to every continent, and really seeing the world.

now the mayor’s daughter-in-law, has taken a

in both Las Vegas and Laguna Beach, California.

I’ve done a little, but I’d like to do a lot more.

less frenetic path to personal and professional

“What I love about this company is that I really

fulfillment in her post-political life.

believe in my clients’ missions,” she says. “We’re

Why do you get out of bed every morning?

partners with our clients, and we’re really

I love the morning anyway—much to my

invested in their goals.”

husband’s chagrin—and I have a 2- and a

Today, the effervescent mother of two young children owns and runs SCBG, a boutique

3-year-old who provide plenty of motivation Those clients include Odyssey Charter Schools,

to get moving. Even if I wanted to sleep in, it’s

which operates two federally funded, Clark

not an option.

County-sponsored institutions billed as “unique alternative(s) for students who have

With whom would you like to trade jobs?

specific interests or requirements that preclude

As my children get older, I’d love to be, maybe,

enrollment in traditional school.” SCBG also

the executive director for the Natural Resources

represents a Las Vegas-based association that

Defense Council. I was the kid in high school

promotes the use of minimally invasive

who wanted to get on the Greenpeace Rainbow

surgical procedures.

Warrior and save the whales. I love being on the offensive for things that really matter. The

Goodman has also had the pleasure of working

environment is so important, and once it’s gone,

with downtown developer Sam Cherry over the

there’s not much we can do.

years. She and her firm recently collaborated with Cherry and his partners Grant Garcia and

If you could take only one book with you to

Mike Goldstein on the design and branding for

a deserted island, what would it be?

Resnick’s Grocery—A Downtown Bodega located

That’s a tough one—to pick just one book,

in Soho Lofts on Hoover.

because once you’ve read it, you’re in trouble!

So I think I would take some kind of philosophy

Goodman brought a sense of whimsy to the shop

book. I have a book from college that went from

including statues of farm animals—a pig and

Nietzsche to Descartes. I’d want something

headphone-wearing sheep. She also included

that covers the vast topic of philosophy…

design elements such as a “grassy” outdoor

something that contemplates, “Why are

area where shoppers can dine on sandwiches

we here?” I love thinking beyond everyday

purchased inside the shop and enjoy free WiFi.

stuff, beyond work and family, just thinking holistically about everything.

“What I love about this company

Goodman’s positive outlook reflects positive

is that I really believe in my

developments for her clients and Las Vegas.

What’s for dinner tonight?

clients’ missions. We’re partners

“To be totally honest, right now, I’m really

Tonight I’m making ale-braised short ribs in the

happy,” she says.

crock pot. Normally, I’m an Italian girl—I don’t

with our clients, and we’re really invested in their goals.”

12 B L V D S L a s V e g a s m a k i n g i t i s s u e 2 4

stray far from grandma’s spaghetti. But tonight, I’m doing something different.

b l vd s l v. c o m

Tom Warden, Senior Vice President, The Howard Hughes Corporation, An Affiliate of General Growth Properties, Water Conservation Coalition Member

To go green, sometimes the green’s gotta go.

When Las Vegas began to boom decades ago, no one gave much thought to water efficiency. Wall-to-wall fescue was the default landscaping choice. We were living in desert denial.

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t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t C O M M U N I T Y THESE PAGES: Reminiscing at FireFly, Jan Craddock, Sherri Kaplan ©Greg Warden

B LV D S T E A M

BLVDS MAGAZINE

OUR OWN STORY

BLVDS magazine was conceived from a desire

Sherri. “And she carried around this tattered little

Sherri needed a little convincing. “I told Sherri

to talk to the community about all of the

corner of a magazine in her purse that seemed to

she could bring her dog to work if she started the

wonderful things Las Vegas and the surrounding

inspire her.” The two of them would meet at Firefly,

magazine with me,” she laughs.

communities have to offer and to spotlight the

drink sangria, and make plans for what eventually

people who make our Valley the vibrant and

would become BLVDS (pronounced “boulevards”).

interesting place it is. It’s a publication with a “glass half-full” kind of attitude—a publication

It’s a publication with a “glass

For Sherri’s part, the final decision was motivated by other desires. “It was time to stop making money for other people. We were 40-something and finally brave enough to do this for ourselves.

intended to inspire and connect the people who

half-full” kind of attitude—a

live here and call Las Vegas home.

publication intended to inspire

BLVDS was founded in 2006 by Jan Craddock

and connect the people who live

a magazine, I just wanted to shut Jan up,” she

here and call Las Vegas home.

says affectionately.

and Sherri Kaplan, two local Las Vegas women who shared a desire to make a difference with a locally grown company. Jan was always fascinated

For Jan, her natural ability for connecting people

by magazines and publishing. “She used to talk

to one another made the transition to running a

about starting her own,” recounts her co-publisher,

community publication a logical one, but she says

14 B L V D S L a s V e g a s m a k i n g i t i s s u e 2 4

And I honestly think it was a moment of weakness.

After years of listening to her talk about starting

Of course, Jan and Sherri had no idea that the boom we had all been enjoying was about to become the bust we’re still enduring. When BLVDS launched in 2007, the possibility of a major

b l vd s l v. c o m

To sign up for our bi-weekly e-newsletter Out on the BLVDS email “subscribe” to outontheblvds@blvdslv.com.

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financial meltdown seemed unlikely. Greater

people to step outside themselves and connect

our readers experience that vicariously as they

minds than theirs failed to foresee it. While

with others,” says Sherri.

enjoy each issue.

What BLVDS does is really quite

Over the last few years, the entrepreneurial duo of

the bottom kept falling. The BLVDS team responded intuitively, continuing to make

simple—it’s about meeting

whatever budgetary cuts were necessary to

the people in our community

gluttons for punishment. They’ve done it, says Jan,

stay in the game. As the economic downturn

who are making a difference,

“because we believe as strongly now in what we’re

learning about their lives, and

doing as we did when Sherri and I toasted the

a hiatus while waiting for the world to return to some kind of normal, but Jan and Sherri chose

sharing their stories with our

to keep moving forward.

readers. BLVDS tells the stories

it’s a real privilege to share the stories of this great

BLVDS is now four years old and is working harder

of ordinary people doing

city with our readers.”

than ever to inspire. What BLVDS does is really

extraordinary things.

To share those stories, we work with writers and

everyone was hoping things would even out,

continued, other magazines shuttered or took

quite simple—it’s about meeting the people in our

Jan and Sherri have kept BLVDS alive, not because they’re flush with cash, and not because they’re

future with that Firefly sangria. We believe that Las Vegas is rich in community and culture, and

photographers who, for lack of a better term,

community who are making a difference, learning

“There is nothing more exhilarating than spending

“get it.” Our talented and caring writers often

about their lives, and sharing their stories with our

even a few brief moments with people who are

share with us that their assignments make lasting

readers. BLVDS tells the stories of ordinary people

truly, enthusiastically committed to what they

impressions on them. The creative photographers

doing extraordinary things. It’s a way to help those

are doing and to the community they live in,” says

we work with bring stories to life on the pages

who are helping others. “I hope we inspire a few

BLVDS Managing Editor Kim Schaefer. Hopefully,

b l vd s l v. c o m

issue 24 m a k i n g i t B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 5

C O M M U N I T Y t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t

Visit our website at blvdslv.com.

t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t C O M M U N I T Y

of the magazine. For all of their contributions to

It is ultimately the commitment to local culture

theme is “Making It”), and contains four regular

BLVDS, we are truly grateful.

and community that drives and sustains BLVDS.

sections in which the theme finds expression:

With each new issue, we are moved by the passion

Community, Culture, Design, and Flavor.

Jan and Sherri don’t just rely on the talents and passion of their writers and photographers.

of the people who work so hard to make the world and our city a better place, and gratified to

Consulting Editor Pat Marvel has been an

discover just how many people are giving so much

integral part of BLVDS since the business-plan-

of themselves to help others.

on-a-cocktail-napkin phase. Managing Editor

Of course, you—our readers—are vital to the ongoing success of BLVDS. We invite you to be a part of our story and to share yours with us. If you know of a person or organization making a

“We believe that Las Vegas is

positive difference in Las Vegas, please submit

of meeting with writers, coordinating photo

rich in community and culture,

your story ideas to us by visiting our website,

shoots, and finessing the results to create the final

and it’s a real privilege to share

content. Art Director and Designer Randi Daniels

the stories of this great city with

Kim Schaefer handles the day-to-day coordination

performs the technical magic of bringing each issue together. Our enthusiastic and committed

our readers.”

Editorial Board that keeps the team informed

BLVDS is a bi-monthly community publication that

about happenings and people in the community.

can be found at local stores and libraries. Each

blvdslv.com, where you will find a “Contact the Editor” link on our home page.

issue is built around a central theme (this issue’s

n i p s

is

ion t a t Ro y 15 f e o5-Ma c n 1 cie ary S u The Jan y pla

D On

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t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t C O M M U N I T Y THESE PAGES: Volunteers in Medicine’s Paradise Park Clinic ©Diane Bush

J OYC E G O R S U C H

VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

WELL-TENDED DREAM THRIVES IN TOUGH ECONOMY As of January 26th, it’s been a year. Volunteers and

the dream of doing the same for people in her

water, but laws and relationships have developed

staff at the health center in Paradise Park have spent

new hometown. That dream has taken form as

enough to provide fertile ground for VMSN, a local

that time helping the working uninsured survive.

a building (examination rooms, a waiting area,

non-profit organization that offers free health care

But the vision that makes this clinic possible has

and a dispensary), four paid staff, more than 500

to eligible patients.

weathered many, many more seasons. Volunteers

volunteers, and donated land for a second site.

in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN) owes its

“Eligible” means “working uninsured.” Patients have no insurance, are ineligible for Medicaid,

success to the donated resources of people from all

“It took a perfect storm of events

disciplines, as well as the ability to think big.

to make all this possible.”

“The mission of VMSN volunteers is to reach out

Good-hearted doctors in the community had

fiscal year 2010-2011, 100% of the Federal Poverty

and heal the underserved with love and, in the

previously attempted to offer free health care

Level is $10,830.

process, heal the community and ourselves,” says

to thousands of people in need. Until recently,

Dr. Florence Jameson, CEO and founder of VMSN.

though, too many obstacles blocked the path

Twenty-five years ago Jameson arrived in Las Vegas with two treasured items—the

toward that goal. “It took a perfect storm of events to make all this possible,” says Jameson.

memory of the physician who cared for her

Since Jameson’s arrival, Southern Nevada has

and her family regardless of ability to pay, and

undergone major climate change. Desert air lacks

18 B L V D S L a s V e g a s m a k i n g i t i s s u e 2 4

and earn incomes no more than 200% above the Federal Poverty Level. For a household of one, for

Entertainer Wayne Newton cites another statistic.

In a video testimonial circa 2009, Newton says that he started supporting VMSN after learning that nearly 350,000 people in the Las Vegas community meet the criteria for “working uninsured.”

b l vd s l v. c o m

Volunteers are needed for both healthcare providers and non-medical positions. To learn more or to make a donation, visit vmsn.org.

Volunteers in Medicine 4770 Harrison Dr., #105 Las Vegas 89121 967.0530 vmsn.org

The roster of supporters reads like a Who’s Who of

insurance premiums had increased by up to 400%.

“Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists

Las Vegas: Cashman, Fertitta, Hilton, and others.

She realized that in order to build a clinic, she and

VMSN receives no federal money. “People on our

other like-minded people would need to start by

were afraid to volunteer because

board are long-term, trusted members of the

reforming Nevada’s tort laws.

community who have a lot of friends who support us in this project,” says Jameson.

of high premiums for malpractice insurance and lawsuits.”

With California state law as a model, Jameson

need. VMSN recently won a zoning variance from

and others sought to take down barriers for

the City of Las Vegas to establish a downtown

A licensed OB/GYN practitioner, Jameson knows

medical personnel in Nevada. The Medical Injury

medicine; various supporters know fi nance, law,

Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) of 1975

and philanthropy. Jameson says all this well-focused

remains largely intact today in California. It limits

expertise eventually was enough to overcome

awards for plaintiffs in a medical malpractice

Nevada’s history of being a very litigious state.

suit, and it regulates attorney fees. In 2004,

The $2 million construction project is scheduled

Nevada voters passed a similar measure. With

for groundbreaking by the end of 2011. In addition

that important reform now in place, medical

to off ering services that patients receive at the

practitioners in Las Vegas have come forward to

Paradise Park location, the MLK wellness center will

volunteer their services. Related legislation at the

aim to address the number one health issue in our

national level has also helped the medical team at

community—addiction and alcoholism. “We want

VMSN recruit more volunteers.

to provide medical care and role models to help

That eff ort to rein in medical lawsuits started ten years ago when Jameson started approaching people about establishing a clinic that would provide free health care. “Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists were afraid to volunteer because of high premiums for malpractice insurance and lawsuits,” she says. According to Jameson, at that time

While national lawmakers decide additional

Nevada’s doctors—one-third of them OB/GYNs—

questions about health care reform, planners at

were retiring early or leaving the state because

VMSN are gearing up to reach more people in

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location. The site will house a flagship wellness center that builds on the capabilities of the Paradise Park location.

them reconnect to their dreams,” says Jameson.

issue 24 m a k i n g i t B L V D S L a s V e g a s 1 9

C O M M U N I T Y t h e l o c a l s p o t l i g h t

Volunteers in Medicine is looking for more people in the community who are interested in becoming involved.

PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING THIS UNIQUE AREA THROB WITH CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY. WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A DETERMINATION TO SUCCEED, TRIFECTA GALLERY OWNER MARTY WALSH CHALLENGED A DOWN ECONOMY AND EXPANDED HER GALLERY FIVE-FOLD.

blvds culture

entertainment & activities

ARTICLES Fremont East Fertile Ground for Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Trifecta Gallery An Exhibition of Optimism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Upcoming Events Check Out the BLVDS Events Calendar for Upcoming Local Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

THIS PAGE: Future home of Zappos—Las Vegas City Hall ©Alex Rodriguez

cultu re

LEARN ABOUT FREMONT EAST AND MEET SOME OF THE

e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s C U LT U R E

FACING PAGE: Fremont East by day ©Alex Rodriguez

J OYC E G O R S U C H

FREMONT EAST

FERTILE GROUND FOR COMMUNITY In the past year a bumper crop of new business

since May at Emergency Arts and its boost to the

a major company with a great employee culture,

sites has sprung up to lure locals to Fremont

perception of his professionalism.

Zappos, to the mix,” says Ramirez.

In the film industry since 2003, Ramirez started

In fact, Ramirez is so excited about what’s

Lola Pictures in 2007. By far, 2010 is the company’s

happening downtown that he and girlfriend

most profitable year yet. “Michael and Jennifer

Pamela Jenkins—owner of The Cupcakery—have

Cornthwaite are good friends of mine,” he says. “I’m

taken over a space to open a business together.

super thankful to them for persuading me to join

They may open a bakery and a bistro. “With

Emergency Arts.”

Zappos it’s a no-brainer—thank God we took

downtown Las Vegas.

“They’ve cultivated artist and

a lease before Zappos announced their move

“It’s like a vacation in there,” says Michael Aromin

mom-and-pop businesses, and

as he gestures toward the building across the St.

then Mayor Goodman brought

Aromin—a security guard at the El Cortez Hotel

a major company with a great

and Casino—is talking about Emergency Arts, the

employee culture, Zappos, to

selecting one in Fremont East.

by the same name.

the mix.”

“When we walked the space at 516 Fremont St.,

Aromin visits Emergency Arts to enjoy coffee

He says the Cornthwaites planted seeds of

and sandwiches at The Beat, the turntable-and-

downtown ambition years ago, by starting

vinyl-record café. The Beat is anchor tenant and

businesses and inspiring others to do so. Michael

gateway to the Emergency Arts site at Sixth St.

owns the speakeasy Downtown Cocktail Room;

and Fremont St. For others, The Beat is a relaxed

Jennifer owned the art gallery Henri & Odette.

hub for business deals. Emergency Arts tenants,

Ramirez says that the Cornthwaites’ ability to think

clients, and like-minded folk meet over vintage

big—and follow through—is a game changer.

wooden tables at the café.

Also, the couple knows people, such as Las Vegas

Among the earliest Emergency Arts tenants is

Mayor Oscar Goodman and Zappos CEO Tony

38-year-old Chris Ramirez, owner of Lola Pictures,

Hsieh, who can make things happen.

a film production company. Ramirez attributes

“They’ve cultivated artist and mom-and-pop

much of his success to the office he’s occupied

businesses, and then Mayor Goodman brought

East—the area bounded by Las Vegas Blvd., Carson Ave., Seventh St., and Ogden Ave. Two business ventures feed much of the growth. Alexandra Epstein at the El Cortez has joined forces with Michael and Jennifer Cornthwaite to create Emergency Arts. And Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh has announced the pending relocation of Zappos to

building that houses a creative-business collective

22 B L V D S

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issue 24

downtown,” says Ramirez.

Another couple, Andrew and Jennifer Wheatley, did the same. The Wheatleys, owners of Vanguard Lounge, spent three years scouting sites before

we knew it was perfect,” says Andrew Wheatley by phone. Like Ramirez, Wheatley credits the Cornthwaites with providing encouragement and advice. “Michael and I talk often,” he says.

Wheatley sees Fremont East as a great fit for Vanguard which he describes as a modern industrial-design lounge with DJs four nights per week. “You can bounce around for different things, do a pub crawl,” he says.

The Vanguard complements the nearby businesses. The Beauty Bar provides live entertainment, The Griffin is an English pub,

b l vd s l v. c o m

C U LT U R E entertainment & activities

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College of Southern Nevada

Performing Arts Center

“by any other name”

—Romeo and Juliet

Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them

by Christopher Durang

February 18, 19, 25, 26 • 7:30 p.m.

February 20, 27 • 2 p.m.

June 23 — October 22

Two Great Events!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Richard III Romeo and Juliet The Music Man The Glass Menagerie Noises Off! The Winter’s Tale Dial M for Murder

800-PLAYTIX bard.org

The Music of Duke Ellington Meets the Music of Count Basie Featuring the Jimmie Wilkins New Life Orchestra

February 25, 26 • 7:30 p.m.

February 27 • 2 p.m.

Cedar City

Celebrate 50 Years

651-LIVE (5483)

For reservations and ticket information

C U LT U R E entertainment & activities

THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Emergency Arts on Fremont East ©Alex Rodriguez

the Downtown Cocktail Room is a speakeasy, and Maharaja is a hookah lounge.

The Wheatleys’ business has benefitted from official support from Mayor Goodman, through city policies that encourage downtown entrepreneurs. “I had always seen potential there, because the city waived the initiation fee for a liquor license,” says Wheatley.

The City of Las Vegas has extended that waiver, says Goodman. He names two other initiatives the City is making to help revitalize Fremont East.

The City’s visual improvement program is one. “If a business owner pays to fix up the exterior, we’ll match that budget up to $50,000,” says Goodman.

In addition to the liquor fee waiver and the visual improvement program, the City offers a third incentive: tax increment financing. If a business owner’s taxes go up because the value of that property has increased, the City will return a portion of that tax increase to the business owner, explains Goodman.

b l vd s l v. c o m

“We’re definitely a neighborhood.

It’s been a long time coming and I

Given the scope of the couple’s vision, potential payoff is huge, historic even. “In what other city can an out-of-towner go, spend 16 years, and be part of

think that people are really thirsty

something so special?” says Michael Cornthwaite.

for it.”

“We can do something here that needs to be done—establish a base for connectedness,” he says.

These incentives are an important start in

Epstein says that, already, a sense of camaraderie has

dismantling what Michael Cornthwaite calls the

budded. “We’re definitely a neighborhood,” she says.

“culture of ‘no’.”

“It’s been a long time coming, and I think that people

The failed attempt to open a Las Vegas Museum

are really thirsty for it.”

of Contemporary Art is an example of that culture.

The City’s requirement of a $1 million deposit was more than museum backers could meet.

Epstein and the El Cortez are key partners. The El Cortez owns the Emergency Arts building. As El Cortez’s executive manager and vice president

“You can’t just go into a space and set up a

of marketing, Epstein has worked with the

business,” says Cornthwaite. “Generally you spend

Cornthwaites to make Emergency Arts happen.

hundreds of thousands of dollars before you even open.” Still, Jennifer Cornthwaite says the frustrations of owning a business are well worth the chance to make Fremont East a success.

“There’s no other option but to persist,” she says.

“Rental spaces in Emergency Arts have filled up faster than expected,” says Epstein. The first walkthrough for prospective tenants was January 2010. By summer they were talking about renting out the second floor, she says.

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e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s C U LT U R E

To participate in the downtown fair or for questions regarding Zappos’ move to downtown, contact Jamie at jnaughton@ zappos.com.

Emergency Arts and The Beat Coffeehouse 520 Fremont St. 300.6268

Downtown Cocktail Room 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South 880.3696 thedowntownlv.com

THIS PAGE FROM LEFT: Vanguard Lounge and the El Cortez Hotel ©Alex Rodriguez

One year later, third-floor spaces are filling up. The

excited to rent a corner unit with a bird’s-eye view

deciding factor for Fremont East’s success could

of activity near Maharaja Hookah Cafe.

be the speed with which other spaces—residential ones—fill up. “Currently a lot of business

Had Palmer lived there in December, he might have seen Kareena Kapoor. The Bollywood actress

customers don’t live downtown,” says Epstein.

Joe’s Pizza, across the street from Maharaja.

John Tippins works downtown, too. He wants

Inside Maharaja, a colorful Bollywood flick plays

to persuade visitors to spend their home lives

on TV. Mazhar Pathan, manager of Maharaja,

here—in residential properties such as The Ogden.

says that Kapoor’s visit is one example of how

Tippins is the Regional Director of Nevada for ST

American culture and South Asian culture have

Residential, a Chicago-based company that owns

become more integrated. Maharaja—which

248 units in The Ogden. Located at Las Vegas Blvd.

opened in September—offers 32 flavors of shisha

and Ogden Ave., the white high-rise contains 275

including “code 69,” dried-flower teas, and foods

apartments of various sizes and rental rates. A

such as hummus, baba ganoush, and pita.

invited to meet Zappos employees. “In the spring

“I’ve lived in major cities my entire life,” he says.

Zappos is looking to hold a downtown fair at

“I love being in an urban environment.” Palmer, a

our current Henderson headquarters,” says Jamie

45-year-old recruiter at Zappos.com, Inc., says he’s

Naughton, Speaker of the House at Zappos.

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making it

Maharaja Hookah Café 506 Fremont St. 684.7900 The Ogden 150 Las Vegas Blvd. North 685.0300 theogdenst.com

Pathan and his Fremont East counterparts are

Jacob Palmer says he plans to live at The Ogden.

26 B L V D S

Vanguard Lounge 516 Fremont St. 868.7800 vanguardlv.com

filmed scenes for her movie, Lean On Me, at Uncle

They do, however, work downtown.

two-bedroom unit starts at $1,400 per month.

El Cortez Hotel & Casino 600 Fremont St. 385.5200 elcortezhotelcasino.com

issue 24

b l vd s l v. c o m

EXTRAORDINARY!

Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Saturday, February 19 • 8 p.m. $45 - $60 - $90

POWERFUL!

DELIGHTFUL!

Tony Award-Winning Hits from Broadway’s Greatest Musicals Saturday, April 2 • 8 p.m. $40 - $55 - $85

Irina Kulikova

Wednesday, March 9 • 8 p.m. $37.50

OUTSTANDING!

Opole, Philharmonic of Poland

Evgeni Mikhailov, Piano Boguslaw Dawidow, Music Director & Conductor Saturday, March 12 • 8 p.m. $35 - $50 - $70

pure. powerful.arts.

2010 – 2011 season pac.unlv.edu • (702) 895-ARTS (2787)

to p pick

e n t e r t a i n m e n t & a c t i v i t i e s C U LT U R E

K I M B E R LY S C H A E F E R

TRIFECTA GALLERY

AN EXHIBITION OF OPTIMISM The Las Vegas Tapestry that was recently exhibited at Trifecta Gallery is a perfect visual metaphor for the gallery itself—and perhaps for the entire Las Vegas community.

It took artist Sola over 8,000 hours to weave her tapestry—an act of undeniable tenacity. It’s that same tenacity, that same willingness to do whatever it takes to make a vision into a reality, that has grown Trifecta Gallery despite the gloom-and-doom mentality that pervades our populace.

“I’m a Pollyanna,” says Trifecta owner Marty Walsh. That Pollyanna outlook led her to make a bold move—just down the hall from the tiny 250-square-foot space her gallery had occupied for five years.

When a 1,200-square-foot space fronting on Charleston opened up in the Arts Factory, Walsh thought, “We need someone to put a gallery in there. Who can do it?” Then the idea struck her. “I can do it!”

Walsh’s years as a fixture in the local art scene are the culmination of a career comprised of various jobs. Owning a gallery, she says, “is like every job I ever had in my life rolled into one.” Her business savvy combined with her impeccable aesthetic have allowed her to become one of the most respected gallerists in the city. That respect helped to bolster Walsh’s confidence as she nearly quintupled the size of her gallery. “I decided to use the positive energy coming to me from the people around me who believe in me,” she says.

Walsh and her husband completed the build-out of the space themselves. But she sees their endeavors as larger than their own business and more than the sum of their efforts. “I believe in leading by example,” she says. “I refuse to operate from a place of fear. If we build better galleries, if we do better things, then we can build a better community. Keep doing what you do.”

Trifecta Gallery 107 E. Charleston Blvd., #135 Las Vegas 89104 366.7001 trifectagallery.com

28 B L V D S

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e ven ts

Prelude to a Kiss

FEBRUARY

FEB. 18 – MAR. 06, 2011 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

Erotic Shakespeare: Twelfth Night

NOW - FEB. 12, 2011 Insurgo Theater The Erotic Heritage Museum insurgotheater.org

Sagebrush Stories

NOW - FEB. 13, 2011 Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Reed Whipple Cultural Center rainbowcompany.org

Eyecons

NOW - FEB. 25, 2011 8 p.m.

Onyx Theater onyxtheater.com

”Domestic Technology” Exhibit

NOW - FEB. 26, 2011 Clark County Museum 455-7955, accessclarkcounty.com

Life and Times

NOW - FEB. 26, 2011 Brett Wesley Gallery 433-4433, brettwesleygallery.com

The Little Prince Spin: The Science of Rotation

NOW - MAY 15, 2011 Lied Discovery Children’s Museum ldcm.org, 382-KIDS

Opera and Marble

FEB. 05, 2011 5:30 p.m.

Opera Las Vegas Sharon Gainsburg Galley 493-5452, operalasvegas.org

Playwright Jamie Morris: an original work debut FEB. 10 – 26, 2011 8 p.m.

Onyx Theater onyxtheatre.com

Master Series III: International Classics

FEB. 11, 2011 8 p.m.

Henderson Symphony Orchestra Henderson Convention Center hsorch.org

Night at the Museum: Despicable Me Wings Over the Springs

NOW - FEB. 28, 2011 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Sat. and Sun. Springs Preserve Crossroads Commons Amphitheater springspreserve.org

”Geolocation” by Nate Larson and Marni Shindelman NOW - MAR. 04, 2011 Contemporary Arts Center lasvegascac.org

Andreana Donahue: getting close to the event horizon NOW - MAR. 19, 2011 Winchester Gallery clarkcountynv.gov

Earn it Keep it Save it NOW - APR. 15, 2011 United Way 892-2300 UWSN.org

FEB. 11, 2011 6-10 p.m.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve springspreserve.org

Love with LVCDT

FEB. 11, 2011 Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre West Las Vegas Library lvcontemporarydancetheater.org

Recording artist Danny Wright FEB. 12, 2011 7:30 p.m.

Green Valley Presbyterian Church Concert Series 1798 Wigwam Parkway 454-8484

Valentine’s Day Fundraiser Dinner FEB. 14, 2011 6 p.m.

Nevada Pops Art Institute of Las Vegas nevadapops.org

FEB. 18 – MAR. 05, 2011 Insurgo Theater insurgotheater.org

Trinkle Brass Works

FEB. 18, 2011 12 p.m.

City of Las Vegas Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse artslasvegas.org

The Music of Duke Ellington Meets the Music of Count Basie FEB. 25 – 27, 2011 7:30 or 2 p.m.

College of Southern Nevada CSN Performing Arts Center 651-LIVE, csn.edu

11th Annual Something Scottish Festival FEB. 26, 2011 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Sahara West Library lvccld.org

Wynton Marsalis & The Jazz Orchestra

MARCH

FEB. 19, 2011 8 p.m.

UNLV PAC Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall 895-ARTS, pac.unlv.edu

Black History Month Festival FEB. 19, 2011 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Las Vegas Springs Preserve Crossroads Commons Amphitheater springspreserve.org

Musical Arts Singers in Concert FEB. 20, 2011 3 p.m.

Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society UNLV Doc Rando Recital Hall snmas.com

The Future of American Liberalism

FEB. 24, 2011 7 p.m.

Black Mountain Institute UNLV Doc Rando Recital Hall blackmountaininstitute.org

Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them FEB. 25 – 27, 2011 CSN Nicholas J. Horn Theatre csn.edu/pac

The Brigham Young University (BYU) Young Ambassadors FEB. 25, 2011 7 p.m.

City of Henderson Henderson Pavilion 267-4TIX, hendersonlive.com

SPRING SERIES The Tried and True and the New MAR. 04 – 06, 2011 Nevada Ballet nevadaballet.com

Summers of Fear

MAR. 04 – 13, 2011 2 or 8 p.m.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley Theatre 895-2787, nct.unlv.edu

First Friday

MAR. 04, 2011 Arts District firstfriday-lasvegas.org

Brass Roots Quintet Concert

MAR. 05, 2011 2 p.m.

City of Las Vegas Charleston Heights Arts Center 229-6383, artslasvegas.org

10th Annual Spring Fashion Show to benefit Rainbow Dreams Academy MAR. 08, 2011 10:30 a.m.

Clark County Medical Society Alliance Four Seasons Hotel ccmsa-lv.org

Want Even More Event Listings and Information? Visit BLVDSLV.COM and Select Calendar/Events.

30 B L V D S

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Jazz: America’s Gift to the World

Evil Dead The Musical

Machinal

MAR. 09, 2011 8 p.m.

UNLV PAC Doc Rando Recital Hall pac.unlv.edu MAR. 10, 2011 - MAR. 26, 2011 8 p.m.

Onyx Theater onyxtheatre.com

Opole, Philharmonic of Poland, with Jacek Kortus, Piano MAR. 12, 2011 8 p.m.

UNLV PAC Artemus W. Ham Concert Hal 895-ARTS, pac.unlv.edu

Brubeck Brothers Quartet Concert

MAR. 12, 2011 8 p.m.

City of Las Vegas Historic Fifth Street School 229-3515, artslasvegas.org

MAR. 24, 2011 7 p.m.

Black Mountain Institute UNLV Doc Rando Recital Hall blackmountaininstitute.org MAR. 25 – APR. 09, 2011 Insurgo Theater insurgotheater.org

Pops III: An Evening with Rogers and Hammerstein

MAR. 26, 2011 8 p.m.

Las Vegas Philharmonic Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall lasvegasphilharmonic.com APRIL

St. Matthew Passion, J.S. Bach APR. 10, 2011 3 p.m.

Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society UNLV Ham Hall snmas.com

Fiesta!

APR. 23, 2011 7:30 p.m.

Nevada Pops Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall nevadapops.org

2010-11 Bennett Fellows in Conversation

The Falsettos

APR. 14, 2011 7 p.m.

Black Mountain Institute UNLV Doc Rando Recital Hall blackmountaininstitute.org

Trojan Women

APR. 01 – 10, 2011 2 or 8 p.m.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre Black Box Theatre 895-2787, nct.unlv.edu APR. 01 – 10, 2011 Rainbow Company Youth Theatre Reed Whipple Cultural Center rainbowcompany.org

First Friday

Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan

Tony Award-Winning Hits from Broadway’s Greatest Musicals

APR. 01, 2011 Arts District firstfriday-lasvegas.org

MAR. 18, 2011 12 p.m.

City of Las Vegas Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse 229-3515, artslasvegas.org

APR. 02, 2011 8 P.M. UNLV PAC Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall 895-ARTS, pac.unlv.edu

Touch-A-Truck

STUDIO SERIES Two Week Engagement APR. 07 – 17, 2011 Nevada Ballet nevadaballet.com

APR. 28 – MAY 14, 2011 8 p.m.

Onyx Theater onyxtheatre.com

Noises Off

APR. 29 – MAY 08, 2011 2 or 8 p.m.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre Judy Bayley Theatre 895-2787, nct.unlv.edu

APR. 01 – 17, 2011 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

MAR. 17 – 20, 2011 City of Henderson Henderson Events Plaza hendersonlive.com

MAR. 19, 2011 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Family to Family Connection Orleans Arena 870-9582, touchatruck.com

APR. 08 – 17, 2011 CSN Nicholas J. Horn Theatre csn.edu/pac

Jeffrey

Metamorphosis 45th annual Southern Nevada Sons of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

A Gleeful Musical Revue

3rd Annual New Works Competition

Masterworks IV

APR. 16, 2011 8 p.m.

Las Vegas Philharmonic Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall lasvegasphilharmonic.com

Henderson Heritage Parade & Festival

APR. 29 – MAY 16, 2011 Las Vegas Little Theatre Black Box lvlt.org

Las Vegas Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

APR. 30, 2011 4 p.m.

Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall lvyo.org

APR. 16, 2011 City of Henderson hendersonlive.com

M AY

UNLV Choral Ensembles

APR. 17, 2011 7:30 p.m.

Green Valley Presbyterian Church Concert Series 1798 Wigwam Pkwy 454-8484

C.D. Wright

APR. 20, 2011 7 p.m.

Black Mountain Institute Student Union Theatre blackmountaininstitute.org

”Spring Sing”- Chamber Chorale Community Outreach Performance MAY 01, 2011 4 p.m.

Las Vegas Master Singers lvmastersingers.com

Lost in Yonkers

MAY 06 – 22, 2011 Las Vegas Little Theatre lvlt.org

First Friday

Ubu Roi

MAY 06, 2011 Arts District firstfriday-lasvegas.org

APR. 22 – MAY 07, 2011 Insurgo Theater insurgotheater.org

Sign up for Our Bi-Weekly Events Newsletter by Emailing OutOnTheBlvds@BLVDSLV.COM with SUBSCRIBE in the Subject Line. b l vd s l v. c o m

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Irina Kulikova

CREATE ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS FROM RECYCLED AND GREEN MATERIALS. LEARN HOW MICHAEL PATRICK THIEME WENT FROM DOWNSIZED ARCHITECT TO SUCCESSFUL DESIGNING ARTIST.

blvds design

architecture & style

ARTICLES In the Realm of Green Design Local Couple Turns Glass into Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Mikel Patrik Gallery An Artful Endeavor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

THIS PAGE: Dramatic staircase at Realm of Design ©Greg Warden

desi gn

LIKE MODERN DAY ALCHEMISTS, CINDY AND SCOTT MCCOMBS

architecture & style DESIGN THESE PAGES: Intricate stonework; Morrow Royal Pavilion; grand entrance; fabulous fireplace; green stone fountain ©Greg Warden

BECKY BOSSHART

IN THE REALM OF GREEN DESIGN

LOCAL COUPLE TURNS GLASS INTO STONE Cindy and Scott McCombs use their design and

do a lot of green-washing products they say are

30,000-square-foot manufacturing center the

construction talents on expansive high-end

green but really aren’t. So we wanted to change

company constructed on Center Point Drive in

residential commercial projects, designs worthy of

the trend and do something that would be good

Henderson so buyers could see the material in use.

the Parade of Homes, or unique creations like the

environmentally in a big way.”

Unisonic Automatic paneled house (a Frank Lloyd

“Our goal is to put green stone

Wright design). Each one of these homes has a

trash containers up and down

to put green stone trash containers up and down the

the Strip. That could take a

Strip. That could take a million pounds of glass out of

million pounds of glass out of

our landfill,” Cindy McCombs says.

opulence—it’s about their “green” architectural

our landfill.”

But first they need to increase interest in the product,

stone, crafted in their Henderson plant with glass

Realm of Design partnered with Evergreen

recycled from Strip casinos. This story is about

site, and pozzalan cement. McCombs says customers

Recycling, now owned by Republic Services, to

following through on the green promise.

still aren’t used to the idea of recycled glass products

collect bottles from the Mandalay Bay and the

even though it costs the same as stone.

“I designed green stone because it was the right

Luxor. About 290,000 pounds of glass from these

thing to do,” says Scott McCombs. “It doesn’t appear

Strip properties went into building the green

like anybody wants to do real green products. They

stone façade on the Morrow Royal Pavilion, a

story and is a story in the enthusiastic way that the couple speaks about their work.

The McCombs’ newest story isn’t about

34 B L V D S

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The McCombs would like to increase this partnership to other Strip properties. “Our goal is

which is made with recycled glass bottles crushed on

“We’re really trying to educate consumers that they can recycle Las Vegas one glass bottle at a

b l vd s l v. c o m

DESIGN architecture & style

time,” she says. “If they are looking to do anything

bust. The company now employs only 12 and has

architectural, why not consider green stone and

been able to survive because of the McCombs’

Realm of Design’s Morrow Royal Pavilion

help the recycling effort?”

foresight in having saved during the good years.

• 290,000 lbs. of recycled glass • 500,000 beer bottles • 132.5 barrels of oil saved • 404,100 cubic yards of landfill space saved

Just off a film segment with the DIY Network’s This

“Save for the winter,” Cindy says. “And winter is here.”

New House, Cindy McCombs is an advocate of buy-

The business celebrated its 20-year anniversary

local and USA-made products. She gets most excited

in February. Realm of Design began when Scott

about building custom fireplaces. Her family-owned

McCombs was building a custom home with

and run business just started offering the 99-percent

columns in Las Vegas. At the time, he noticed that

recycled product in August after Scott McCombs

there were few local companies doing similar

worked on the formula for four years.

work. Following that project, he was contacted

Realm of Design’s 2,500-square-foot showroom contains a fountain, moldings, a staircase, and entry ways. About 85 percent of everything in that

by American West Homes to build light-weight balusters. Their first order was for 1,500 units.

From there, Realm of Design continued to grow.

room is made of glass fiber reinforced concrete.

The McCombs don’t see the recent downturn

But the company also designs with bronze,

as only having a negative impact. “It helps you

polyurethane, and pewter.

to think, what else can I do to enter into other

Like all things linked to home construction, Realm of Design saw a huge increase during Las Vegas’ construction boom; at the height it employed about 50 craftspeople. And then came the subsequent

b l vd s l v. c o m

Realm of Design 1188 Center Point Dr. Henderson 89074 566.1188 realmofdesign.com

markets and do other things?” says Cindy. “We don’t want to stand still. People need to keep things going, and that’s why we built the green stone building,” she continues.

issue 24

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to p pick

architecture & style DESIGN

SHAUN FR ANKLIN-SE WELL

MIKEL PATRIK GALLERY

AN ARTFUL ENDEAVOR

Michael Patrick Thieme didn’t start his career as an entrepreneur.

He didn’t really start his career as an artist. He was an architect for 10-plus years in Phoenix before moving to Las Vegas. He initially worked for a firm here, but that firm downsized with the recession, prompting him to take up the artist’s brush.

He is most interested, he says, in “processes: how does applying paint in a particular way create images?” How, in other words, can a painter use lines of different widths or different colors to create art? His work is a “blend of fine art and design.”

Thieme’s website, mikelpatrik.com, is an exploration of his theme of process. His first artworks are in the Pixel collection, “created by covering the entire canvas with individual brush strokes, or pixels.”

In the Stitch collection, he paints one line at a time, either from the edge of the canvas to the center or from the center out to the edge, or even in a geometric spiral.

Turning his designs into art is not the last of Thieme’s entrepreneurial acts. While an architect, Thieme became acquainted with the hospitality design field and the textile industry. He wondered if his art might make for good interior design pieces. The opportunity arose more quickly than he expected when Dwell, a publication for high-end interior designers, featured his work. Texstyle/Jamie Stern, a company specializing in custom furniture and carpet, picked up the designs for manufacturing.

Thieme is continuing to develop his “brand.” His most recent contract is for high-end decorative pillows (coming soon to an interior designer near you).

Mikel Patrik Gallery Emergency Arts 520 E. Fremont St., Suite 184 Las Vegas 89101 622.0727 mikelpatrik.com

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b l vd s l v. c o m

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Dr. Q’s Seasonal Gardening Tips

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2001 S. Rainbow Blvd, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89146

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February

March

• Pruning ideas: Prune deciduous trees and shrubs as needed. Remove dead, broken or dying branches. Create open canopies. Don’t forget safety!

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1/14/11 10:37 AM

JOHN

SIMMONS

OPENED

THE

FIRST

FIREFLY

RESTAURANT IN 2003, THE SPANISH “SMALL PLATES” CALLED TAPAS WEREN’T EXACTLY MAINSTREAM LAS VEGAS FARE. TWO EXPANSIONS LATER, HE’S GOT US LINING UP FOR HIS DELICIOUS AND INVENTIVE DISHES! WITH LITTLE MORE THAN SHARED LOVE AND A DESIRE TO OWN THEIR OWN BUSINESS, PATTY AND JUAN BARBAS TURNED THEIR DREAM INTO THE POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL CLOTHING BOUTIQUE CALLED PATTY’S CLOSET.

blvds flavor dining & retail ARTICLES Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar A Great Idea Takes Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Living La Vida Moda Fashion and Passion at Patty’s Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

THIS PAGE: Firefly’s bacon-wrapped dates ©Greg Warden

flavo r

BEFORE

d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R

FACING PAGE: Delicious tapas ©Greg Warden

BROCK RADKE

FIREFLY TAPAS KITCHEN & BAR

A GREAT IDEA TAKES FLIGHT The story of Las Vegas dining is a tale of two

degree in economics from the University of Illinois.

He opened Firefly on Paradise in 2003, serving a

cities. The Strip, with all its glitzy glory, is home to

“But I wasn’t happy working in a cubicle,” he says.

menu of small plates full of flavors that were new

some of the greatest restaurants and chefs in the

“I worked at restaurants all through high school

to Las Vegas. There were those dates, the ones

world, even if it can seem so separated from locals.

and college. I just like the energy. I like the crazy

everyone always orders, sweet fruit stuffed with

The rest of the valley is an eclectic collection of

hours.” He went to culinary school and completed

almond and wrapped in crispy bacon decorated

friendly neighborhood favorites, high-powered

the career transition. Four years later, he was

with blue cheese and red wine reduction. There

franchise fare, and tasty, tiny holes-in-the-wall. The

were plates of imported Spanish sausages and

Strip wields a heavy influence over the Vegas food

“So I wanted to build a menu

scene, but rarely does the neighborhood leave an

out of a bunch of good stuff and

salt. There were chicken and chorizo-stuffed

impact on Las Vegas Boulevard.

wines and sangria by the glass, all

mushrooms and crispy, creamy ham and cheese

Firefly might be the exception. What was once a

affordable and casual and fun.”

small, hip eatery is now a full-fledged dynasty, with three locations and a devout following.

offered an amazing opportunity to cook at the

When the newest Firefly opened in Summerlin

new Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas in 1999.

doors had opened, excited to get their favorite bacon-wrapped dates or tortilla Espanola without the trek downtown or to the original location on Paradise Road. It may seem as if Firefly’s growth

as I can,” Simmons says. “You could see this kind of off in Chicago and L.A. and New York and Miami.

great place to live. And I was always asking, where

So I wanted to build a menu out of a bunch of

do people go here? There were not a lot of really

good stuff and wines and sangria by the glass, all

local restaurants. I’m an urban guy, and Las Vegas

affordable and casual and fun.”

up ideas to fill those neighborhood voids—

sharing. But before the trend hit, before celebrity

Simmons grew restless. “I got stuck in a rut. I had

chefs Julian Serrano and José Andrés were serving

turned into a clipboard chef with a perfectly clean apron. Hadn’t used a knife in months. Was I even a

Las Vegas has John Simmons to thank for its tapas

chef anymore?” Owning his own restaurant always

education. Simmons, a Chicago native, earned a

was the goal, and he was ready to take a risk.

making it

bunch of appetizers. I want to taste as much stuff

“Vegas really grew on me,” Simmons says. “It’s a

a few years working on the Strip—and dreaming

Spanish-style tapas and small plates made for

L a s Ve g a s

days off, and I’d go to different places and get a

was missing some of the things I am used to.” After

is due to the explosive popularity of its cuisine,

40 B L V D S

croquetas. “I used to eat on the Strip a lot on my

eating, which is really kind of sophisticated, taking

in October, neighbors were lining up before the

tapas on the Strip, there was Firefly.

flash-fried padron peppers with a sprinkle of

issue 24

Firefly didn’t catch fire immediately. Simmons originally didn’t want to call his food “tapas” because no one knew what that was. But the quality, prices, and relaxed atmosphere proved to be an undeniable combination. Firefly became everyone’s favorite place to hang and nosh. “We built up so much goodwill over the years that

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41

d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R THIS PAGE: Paella ©Greg Warden

when we evolved our concept and expanded,

the garlic cream cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers.

the coming months. “It’s something else I miss

people were ready,” he says. “We just got flooded

Simmons has his favorites, too. “I love them all

from Chicago,” he says describing a place with

when we opened in Summerlin. And the Paradise

equally, but some I love a little more equally,”

homemade sausages, fresh-squeezed juices

location is still busy.”

he says. “I love the traditional stuff, the grilled

and fresh-from-scratch English muffins for eggs

octopus and the dates, but also some stuff we

Benedict. With the still-growing success of Firefly

made our own, like the filet mignon sliders and

fueling the creative fire, it sounds like Las Vegas

The first Firefly expansion was in 2009 in the Plaza’s vintage glass dome that peers down

will continue to benefit from Simmons’ delicious

Fremont Street. “That space was so cool and had

New menu items are on the way

experiments.

Simmons says. “We replaced the windows with

including a new focus on the

Firefly

glass without tint so the light could really get into

paella, allowing diners to choose

3900 Paradise Rd.

the dome. It turned out awesome.” The downtown

their favorite ingredients, and a

Las Vegas 89169

so much potential that wasn’t being realized,”

location is currently closed as the Plaza undergoes

369.3971

renovation, but should re-open by August. When

couple of lobster dishes.

it returns, it’ll bring a little something extra: Firefly

the manchego mac and cheese.” New menu items

will take over a larger space on the hotel’s second

Las Vegas 89117

are on the way including a new focus on the

level, including the existing bar, and the dome will

834.3814

paella, allowing diners to choose their favorite

be home to a new dining concept with a classic

ingredients, and a couple of lobster dishes.

Vegas style.

9560 W. Sahara Ave.

Simmons is also getting ready to launch another

Everyone has their Firefly favorites, from the

idea—a gourmet, boutique breakfast spot with

saffron, seafood, and sausage-laden paella to

a full bar, probably in the Summerlin area, in

42 B L V D S

fireflylv.com

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issue 24

b l vd s l v. c o m

No one should end the journey of life alone, afraid, or in pain.

For three decades, Southern Nevada’s physicians have entrusted Nathan Adelson Hospice with quality in-patient and home care services for their patients. We have board-certified physicians in hospice and palliative care, on-site pharmacies, a full range of complementary therapies, physician visits to patient homes and the valley’s only comprehensive pediatric hospice program. As always, our primary concern is for our patients’ comfort, care and dignity.

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For more information: (702) 733-0320 www.nah.org

For story ideas, or if you have a problem you can’t solve, e-mail us at: 13INVESTIGATES@KTNV.COM

NINA RADETICH

Making Las Vegas A Better Place To Live!

A Promise of a never-ending paycheck for all your retirement days.

For more than 160 years, New York Life has brought peace of mind to millions of Americans. Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuities from New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation offer a promise of a regular paycheck for the rest of your life.

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Guaranteed Lifetime Income refers to annuity contracts issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (A Delaware Corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. The guarantee is backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer. ©2010 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 In most jurisdictions the policy form numbers for the Lifetime Annuity are: Life Only: 203-169, primary and Secondary Joint Life Annuity: 203-170, Life w Percent of Premium Death Benefit: 203-171, Life w Cash Refund: 203-172, Life w Guaranteed Period: 203-173, Primary and Secondary Joint Life Annuity w Guaranteed Period: 203-174. State variations may apply. SMRU 00409017CV (Exp. 07/11) AGY-1559 100275

Flashback to the 70’s Join us for an art exhibition that celebrates the people of London and Manchester in the 1970’s by renowned local photographer Diane Bush.

Thursday, Feb. 3rd and First Friday, Feb. 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. Diane will discuss her journeys as you discover this intriguing series.

Exhibition at: Brett Wesley Gallery 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd. corner of Charleston © Diane Bush - “Pout”, Manchester, 1976

For more information call 702.433.44333 or visit BrettWesleyGallery.com This exhibition was made possible in part from a Jackpot Grant from the Nevada Arts Council.

F L AV O R d i n i n g & r e t a i l

FROM LEFT: Shoes and sparkles; amazing accessories ©Chris Cutler

L AUR A CORONADO

LIVING LA VIDA MODA

FASHION AND PASSION AT PATTY’S CLOSET “El que tenga tienda, que la atienda. Sí no, que

for expansion coupled with more involvement

store, they were excited to see at least 15 customers

la venda.” Entrepreneur Patty Barba credits this

with the community.

waiting to shop. When the third boutique opened,

Spanish proverb as having an influence on how she manages her business and her life. The literal translation is, “He who has a store must tend to it.

If not, sell it.” However, the general connotation of these words of wisdom, which can apply to anything precious in life, is: If you have something, you better take care of it. Otherwise, let it go.

“We don’t really follow anybody,” says Juan. “That’s why we’re opening stores during a time when

there was a long line of fashionistas eagerly waiting for the doors to open. This level of popularity continued on the day the couple opened their

you’re not supposed to be opening a store. If it

plus-size fashion store, Voluptuous, located next

sounds great, we’ll do it.” The first Patty’s Closet

door to the South Eastern Patty’s Closet location.

opened in 2007 at South Rainbow and Windmill.

“People want this store,” Juan says.

Six months later, the Barbas opened a second boutique at Blue Diamond and Cimmaron, which

While the success of Patty’s Closet seems

Patty and her husband Juan own and manage

was followed by the opening of a third shop

serendipitous, there were hurdles to jump, even

Patty’s Closet Fashion Boutiques, which sell new,

on South Eastern six months later. While it may

before the concept ever came into being. Patty’s

in-season women’s fashion apparel, shoes, and

appear unbelievable, the fact is that this every-six-

past includes being a teenage single mom with

accessories at very affordable prices in three

months-expansion was not planned. “Nothing in

a special needs child and Juan is a Mexican

locations across Las Vegas and Henderson. The

our lives has been planned,” Patty confirms.

immigrant who taught himself to speak English.

husband and wife team tends to their business very carefully and with great passion, with plans

b l vd s l v. c o m

On opening day for the first store, the Barbas had only one non-family customer. With the second

They met, fell in love, and created a family with Juan stepping in to be a father to Patty’s son.

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d i n i n g & r e t a i l F L AV O R FROM LEFT: Patty’s on Rainbow; bountiful baubles ©Chris Cutler

“It’s our fate,” Patty says describing her success in

learning from their example. “We want to be the

marriage and in business. “We do what we can as

small big business,” he elaborates. “I always say that

human beings and the rest just falls into place.”

if Coca Cola is doing it, we need to be doing it.”

Prior to meeting each other, the Barbas each

“We do what we can as human

dreamed of running their own business. Patty’s

beings and the rest just falls into

Closet began as a craft mall booth selling

place.”

handmade baby clothes and gift baskets. After marrying, the Barbas began working on plans for

Now with the popularity of the Patty’s Closet

a brick-and-mortar location. But it wasn’t easy. “No

brand and the increased amount of attention the

one would call us back,” Patty says, describing her

Barbas are receiving, they are regularly offered

effort to lease a space for her boutique. And when

business proposals, including offers from other

the two applied for a business loan, they were

entrepreneurs who wish to franchise the Patty’s

denied. “But we never gave up,” assures Patty. “You

Closet name and affordable fashion boutique

have your heart set on ‘this is the way it’s going

business model. They have also had inquiries

to go.’ And then it doesn’t go that way. Lucky for

from Strip properties to open a location on South

us, we’re pros at things not going the way we

Las Vegas Boulevard, but so far it has not felt

expected.” Juan adds, “Five or six years ago, I would

right. “We’re open to being on the Strip, but it’s

never have believed I could own my own business.”

not our ultimate goal. I think we love being the

Juan, who handles the business operations including the finances and staff, seems to enjoy watching what billion dollar brands are doing and

46 B L V D S

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making it

Patty’s Closet 7920 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 115 Las Vegas 89139 263.6452 9345 S. Cimarron Rd. Suite 120 Las Vegas 89178 270.6452 10271 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 115 Henderson 89052 233.6452 Voluptuous 10271 S. Eastern Ave. Suite 114 Henderson 89052 982.2049 pattysclosetstore.com

neighborhood store,” says Patty. “People come and tell us their stories. They know us. There is a personal attachment. That’s pretty rare nowadays.”

issue 24

b l vd s l v. c o m

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