UNLV on Thursday took another step toward establishing a new downtown Las Vegas satellite office.
The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents unanimously approved a long-term lease agreement with the city of Las Vegas on behalf of UNLV for about 16,000 square feet at Civic Center, near South Main Street and West Bonneville Avenue.
The Las Vegas City Council as of Thursday was planning to vote on the lease agreement at its Oct. 7 meeting, though that could change as the meeting date approaches, according to city spokesperson Meghin Delaney.
“My vision as president has been to build our brand and expand our reach, and this is another vital project along that dimension,” said UNLV Interim President Chris Heavey, adding, “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to branch out into our community and in partnership with the important city of Las Vegas.”
UNLV is expected to include a multitude of services in the third-floor space, including a “Rebel One Stop” for recruitment, admissions, registration, advising and financial aid as well as room to provide services for careers, continuing legal education, cybersecurity consulting and small business development, according to meeting materials.
The initiative, titled UNLV @ Civic Plaza, is also slated to have a podcasting suite and computer labs.
“We have residents who are looking for education opportunities and trainings that fit their lives,” said Dina Babsky, director of economic development for the city. “Having UNLV there brings both those sides together.”
UNLV will pay an estimated $6 million in rent through the agreement’s initial 10-year term. The agreement adds two optional five-year lease renewals, with both estimated to cost over $3 million. UNLV is also expected to pay between $3 million to $4 million in tenant improvements, as well as $1 million to $2 million in furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Heavey and Chris Viton, chief financial officer for UNLV, assured the board that UNLV will be able to afford the lease agreement.
“We’re basically investing in additional space because we’re out of office space on the main campus,” Heavey said.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley spoke in strong support of the project to the board, saying UNLV’s addition to the Civic Center helps realize the city’s vision it had for the plaza when it opened last year. The Vegas Chamber and the Nevada Secretary of State currently rent space in the Civic Center.
“This is a very important part of the city’s vision, and I think the partnership between the city and UNLV will be nothing short of extraordinary,” Berkley said. “We’re preparing and giving our fellow citizens the opportunity to access all that UNLV has to offer right in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.”
Contact Spencer Levering at slevering@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0253.
