It has been discussed a few times about how downtown is trying to become a bigger destination for tourists. I was downtown yesterday and noticed some big changes.

Remember that 7-11 at Fremont and LV Blvd? It is closed now, and the sign says the building is for lease as a restaurant or nightclub. Across Fremont St is a big neon sign welcoming you to Fremont Street East. The sidewalks have been expanded for greater foot traffic, more lights have been added, Metro police is installing security cameras, night clubs are popping up, and there are old Neon Museum signs in the median. This extends to approx 8th street where there is the same welcoming sign in the other direction. 8th street is about where the Western Hotel and Casino is.

This is almost disturbing. I applaud the efforts to make the area legit. I worry that innocent toruists are being led astray. The El Cortez is the jewel of this new entertainment district. I'm not taking away the status of "The El" as being a rat hole, because it is. But there is worse under the canopy. Also, Roberta's in The El has changed their menu and raised prices. The El reminds me of The California hotel with less Hawaiians and better paying machines. And the Western Hotel? Well, it's in another class, that doesn't really blend well with the Fremont Street Experience.

But it's not about the casinos. It's about all of the little holes in the wall that have been magically transformed into safe venues. Jazz clubs, night clubs, and trendy restaurants. Those are the places that scare me the most.

In about a month, Fremont East will have a grand opening. We'll see how it goes.

I also noticed as I drove past the Lady Luck, there does not appear to be any progress on the remodeling of the old hotel. There is a big sign saying to visit their new website, bebacksoon.info or something like that. I guess they are waiting for downtown to revitalize too, then sell the place off. It will probably seem like a brilliant move for the money people. The ex-employees will probably be less impressed.