Renovations officially begin at historic Carson City's Bank Saloon, formerly Jack's Bar
A "first nail ceremony," similar to a groundbreaking ceremony, was held Monday evening at the historic Bank Saloon, formerly Jack's Bar, and renovations are officially underway.
The celebration included Frey Ranch Estate Distillery tastings, square nail souvenir making, and a packed house reception at Bella Fiore. If all goes as planned, the Bank Saloon is predicted to open in January, 2021, in conjunction with the next legislative session.
The Nevada Builder's Association took over ownership of the beloved Jack's Bar in 2018, and CEO Aaron West originally had plans to renovate the building to the way it looked when it first opened. However, the damage to the interior was so severe due to years of neglect and a massive colony of pigeons that took up residence, that plans had to change.
The public was allowed inside Monday evening during the first nail ceremony, and renderings of how the bar will look once renovations are complete were placed around the interior.
The bar first opened as the Bank Saloon in 1899, and became Jack's Bar in the 1970s.
West plans to bring a modern feel to the bar, while retaining some historic feel and textures, he said, in a unique, up-scale way.
Plans for the renovations also include a 20-person conference that can open up to the bar as well, with offices in the back for the Nevada Builder's Association Headquarters.
Carson City's Miles Construction is undertaking renovations of the building.
“We’re going to have more of a contemporary feel,” said West. “We want to use natural materials, and reuse some of the wood we’re removing and use it in various elements. I’m toying with the idea of turning some of the reclaimed wood into the bar.”
To learn more about the Nevada Builder's Association, click here.