Too bad that area is a bit trashy. I know that they are trying to make it better, but the residential area that surrounds it will never get that much better unless a developer buys out blocks of homes and I can't picture it happening as there's still some open land left in the valley.
They would literally have to demolish 2-3 square miles of old homes to remove the "stigma" that surrounds downtown Henderson. It's an issue that probably won't change for decades.
I have a bit of insider's knowledge on the area.
The City is in the process of making the whole residential area a historic district, so it will be very unlikely that the townsite homes will go anywhere. With that, however, will come some revitalization efforts to clean up the properties and make them more aesthetically pleasing. Honestly, most of them are decently maintained properties now, albeit small. Also, keep in mind that as soon as the business district (Water Street District) gets a few more amenities going (like neighborhood market), you will likely see a lot more demand for these properties. The Water Street District has some really good momentum right now with the Events Plaza, Lovelady Brewery, Juan's Flaming Fajitas and now this ice center. Get a corporate HQ in there and you will start to see more higher end dining and retail that will start to bring visitors and new residents. I see the area looking a lot different in the next decade. Already there has been more redevelopment in the area in the last 5 yrs than there has been in the last 20. It is a much smaller downtown than Vegas, so one development can have a lager impact.
@Pirate Deadpool never say never.
City/county could offer an incentive to redevelop that area. Or numerous "cash buyers" might "invest" in that area.
The area is already a redevelopment district and has been for about 20 yrs. There are tons of tax incentives/grants, etc. offered for the right businesses/developments. The$12 million from the City is coming from these funds, which can't be used outside of a redevelopment area. They have long been looking for an anchor business to bring in people to the area that would start the chain of new redevelopment throughout the area. I am not sure this ice center will be the one that tips the scales, but it could be the domino that brings in something like a corporate HQ or other large development that changes the face of the area.