Changes made, changes to come in revitalization of Historic Commercial Center

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - It was once considered the crown jewel of shopping centers in Las Vegas, the Commercial Center just a few blocks off the Strip at Sahara and Maryland Parkway. Now there is a big push with county funding to see it shine again.

There were two major re-launch events hosted by Clark County last year trying to promote revitalizing Commercial Center. One during EDC weekend and another in October celebrating the 60th anniversary of the center. Since those events, a lot has changed and there's more changes to come. "You can already see the changes happening," contended Derek Stonebarger, owner of two successful bars in the Arts District. Stonebarger is opening Arty's Steakhouse in Commercial Center charmed by the midcentury modern building he's moving into and the history of the center itself.

"Back in 1963, this was the new shopping center. This was a beautiful part of Las Vegas and that is going to happen again," Stonebarger asserted. While Vegas history is so often lost when buildings are torn down, here there is a push to preserve. "The Rat Pack ate here every day...John Fish Jewelers sold Elvis Priscilla's wedding ring," Stonebarger recounted. Damian Costa, born and raised in Vegas, is now Managing Member of the Composer's Room which opened in November in what used to be to be that deli beloved by the Rat Pack.

A new Mexican Restaurant, La Vecindad Cantina, also opened its doors earlier this year.

"We all kind of have like this unified mission to make Commercial Center a place that customers of every type want to come visit," Costa explained.

One major challenge: the perception of Commercial Center.

"Everybody knows that it is rough and rundown," Stonebarger shared.

Security has been a major concern. Back in January, FOX5 reported on homeless encampments at the center but thanks to county funding that has changed in a big way. "You can see they now have a security force here just about 24 hours a day," Stonebarger reported.

"What I am very thankful for is it sounds like Clark County is listening," Costa stated. The county has invested millions. They own the parking lot and now some of the blighted buildings and there are plans for a major transformation. "Just last week, I got to meet with developers who are doing a proposal for the whole 30 acre area and it's exciting," Stonebarger beamed. What could we see in the future? It is more of a town square rather than main street as the businesses surround the edge of the square center. Some of the ideas: public art, a park, and space for live music.

FOX5 reached out to the county Tuesday to find out more about their plans. What they want to see after investing millions of dollars into the center. We will provide an update when we hear back.