Study shows high retrofit costs for 100 Davidson; council weighs short-term lease with fire district

Public works director Riley Bunnell briefed council on a Port-funded study of the downtown property at 100 Davidson, outlining a range of reuse options and associated costs. The architect's high-level estimates put retrofit ranges for office/makerspace or retail/restaurant options generally in the multi-million-dollar range (roughly $7–12 million depending on program), while demolition was estimated at roughly $345,000–$580,000 before asbestos/abatement results are known.

Riley said structural inspections have found the building is not collapsed and mold testing has been favorable; however, retrofit costs and potential asbestos abatement are major variables. The Port has nearly completed a contract with the architect and retains about $10,000 in remaining contract work to refine costs.

Clark County Fire & Rescue has expressed interest in a temporary lease (Riley said possible dates are September 2026 through February 2028) that would place firefighters and their operations in the building while surrounding fire-station construction proceeds. Such a lease, staff said, would temporarily increase building occupancy and visibility and could give the city time to weigh long-term partnerships, grant opportunities, or demolition and redevelopment options. Council discussed partnering with the Port (which can borrow differently than the city) and said any long-term lease or sale would return to council for formal approval.

No final action was taken; staff and the Port will continue to refine cost estimates, investigate asbestos/abatement, and pursue grant or partnership opportunities.