Major Updates from the Ward 5 Community Forum: Revitalization Efforts and New Developments in Ward 5 & the Historic Westside.
At the recent Ward 5 Community Forum on October 10, 2024, Councilman Cedric Crear and city officials provided an in-depth update on key projects and future plans aimed at revitalizing Ward 5 and the Historic Westside of Las Vegas. The forum covered topics ranging from housing and infrastructure to workforce development and health initiatives, reflecting the city’s goal of rebuilding the neighborhood.
Here's a look at the latest developments impacting Ward 5:
Changing Demographics: A Community in Transition
While not a major topic of discussion at the forum itself, the changing demographics of the Historic Westside were highlighted in a handout provided to attendees. These numbers offer valuable insight into the community's evolving makeup.
The population currently stands at 3,988, with 53.1% identifying as Black, an increase of 10.7% over the last five years. Meanwhile, the Hispanic population has dropped by 15.8% to 42.9%, and the White population now makes up 6.1%. Asian/Hawaiian Pacific Islanders have increased slightly to 3.1%.
The median age in the Historic Westside is 31.8, with the largest age group being those between 25 and 34 years old. Despite these shifts, economic disparities remain, as the median household income has declined to $24,910. Unemployment, however, has dropped to 13.8%, suggesting progress but also highlighting the need for continued investment in local job creation.
Historic Westside Revitalization: Infrastructure and Community Development
Councilman Crear reaffirmed the city’s ongoing commitment to the Historic Westside Revitalization Plan through The HUNDRED Plan in Action, a comprehensive initiative designed to address key challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and business development. Two major streets, Jackson Avenue and Washington Avenue, are currently undergoing significant upgrades to improve safety and connectivity. These enhancements aim to promote local business activity and improve access for residents.
The city is also focused on supporting development by reactivating vacant properties and encouraging public/private partnerships for neighborhood investment.
New Developments:
Several significant projects are either in progress or soon to begin, as highlighted during the forum:
shareDowntown Housing Development: This new mixed-use housing development is part of a broader effort to bring workforce housing options to the Westside. The project includes 104 one-bedroom multi-family residential apartment units, with 84 of them classified as workforce housing. The City of Las Vegas will also lease space to launch a food hall-style business incubator, designed to attract, support, and help grow new businesses focused on food and market goods. Completion is scheduled for Spring 2026.
Doolittle Complex Renovations: The Doolittle Campus, a central community hub, is undergoing substantial renovations to upgrade its facilities. These improvements are designed to enhance the quality of recreation, education, and community gatherings in the Westside, ensuring residents have access to modern, well-maintained spaces.
Phase 1: Doolittle Park Renovation (12-month construction duration). Renovation and upgrades will be made to the existing park to accommodate practice fields for football and soccer, and reconfiguration of the existing baseball and softball fields to accommodate use by Matt Kelly Elementary School, which is also undergoing renovation.
Phase 2: Doolittle Community Center & Pool/Doolittle Active Adults Center (24-month construction duration). This phase includes significant renovations to the facilities, including upgrades to the pool and workout room, as well as enhancements to the Doolittle Active Adults Center entryway for ADA accessibility.
Phase 3: West Las Vegas Arts Center (18-month construction duration). The current West Las Vegas Library has served as a community anchor in the Historic Westside, and the space will continue to do so as the expanded West Las Vegas Arts Center. The current Arts Center will expand into this space.
The Westside Café: Located in the Historic Westside School, the Westside Café will serve as a training venue for various cooking skills and offer a full menu for tenants in the facility and the surrounding community. It will also provide a broad range of catering and special events. The city is funding the build-out of this space, which will be operated by the Chef Jeff Program. The café is expected to open in September 2025.
New Workforce Development Center: The CSN Workforce Training Center, which recently broke ground in the Historic Westside, was another highlight of the forum. This center is designed to provide critical job training and skills, focusing on emerging industries and vocational training. Although still under construction, the center is expected to play a vital role in equipping local residents with the tools they need to thrive in today’s evolving economy.
Historic Westside Health and Wellness Center: One of the forum’s major announcements was the planned construction of the Historic Westside Health and Wellness Center, located at 400 Jackson Avenue. This facility will offer culturally competent healthcare services tailored to the needs of medically underserved African American and Latino communities. The center will focus on addressing specific health disparities these communities face, providing care that spans the entire lifespan of individuals.
The health and wellness center will also include retail space and community areas, creating a multi-use facility designed to meet both medical and social needs. The project is estimated to cost $30 million and is being developed by the City of Las Vegas. This investment is seen as a crucial step toward improving health outcomes in the Westside.
The HUNDRED Plan in Action: Revitalizing Marble Manor and Beyond
The forum provided an update on the progress of the HUNDRED Plan in Action, the city's long-term strategy for revitalizing the Historic Westside. A major milestone in this plan is the award of a $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which is being used to redevelop the Marble Manor public housing project.
The HUNDRED Plan, which has already attracted over $77 million in public and private investments, aims to create a more vibrant, mixed-use, mixed-income community. This includes affordable housing, new commercial spaces, and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance the quality of life for Westside residents while preserving the area’s cultural heritage.
Urban Agriculture and Fresh Produce Access: Tackling Food Challenges
Efforts to increase access to fresh produce in the Historic Westside were also discussed. The James Gay III Park Project, in collaboration with MGM Resorts, has introduced two new grow containers to the community, offering fresh, locally grown produce. These grow containers are part of a broader push to provide sustainable food options within the Westside.
In addition, the launch of the Historic Westside Farmers Market was announced as part of these efforts to improve access to healthy foods. This quarterly market aims to offer fresh produce, support local vendors, and encourage a more resilient, community-driven food system.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ward 5’s Future
With over $354.5 million invested in Ward 5 over the last five years, the community is on the cusp of a major transformation. The projects discussed at the forum—ranging from housing and healthcare to workforce development and infrastructure—reflect the city’s commitment to addressing the priorities of the Historic Westside.
As Ward 5 continues to evolve, the goal is to create a more inclusive, thriving neighborhood that honors its cultural history while providing modern amenities and opportunities for growth.
Get Involved: Shaping the Future of the Historic Westside
Residents and community advocates are encouraged to stay engaged and take an active role in shaping the neighborhood’s future. Whether through attending forums, supporting local businesses, or participating in community initiatives, every resident and advocate can play a part in ensuring that the Historic Westside’s transformation reflects the values and needs of those who call it home.
