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EVERYTHING has changed Downtown!

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by theshaah, Dec 21, 2014.

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  1. theshaah

    theshaah High-Roller

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    Today I made a little trip downtown to check out popup pizza and see if there was any TITO machines inside the plaza.

    Looking back on my 13 years of vegas trips I can truly say that downtown is literally COMPLETELY different from what it was. Uncle Joes Pizza and Kabob Corner is now completely papered up and closed, as is the infamous fremont dollar store. :(

    Pretty much anything that was on fremont (now called fremont east)10 years ago is now closed up or has been altered in some way shape or form that detracts from it's originality.

    Some might call it progress. I felt a little meloncholy that all the places I used to frequent when I first came to town are now closed or operating under different management. There are plenty of new places open on fremont for people to explore. Lots more music venues, places to dance, places to eat, even places to shop now. But I will admit that I look back fondly on playing in Jackies Basement (El Cortez) hoping to get a glimpse of him in the casino. I remember Jackie owning The Plaza, Vegas Club, Western, Gold Spike, AND El Cortez. He was the king of downtown and offered gamblers a great value for their dollar.

    Call me old fashioned at 36.......just don't call me old yet! ;-)

    How do you all feel about downtown today compared to yesterday?
     
  2. UTE

    UTE Plastics

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    Well, I'm (ahem, a bit) older and think of the glory days on Fremont Street as the 60's and 70's. After that was a long, slow slide into decay. Having said that, I think a long, slow climb started with the installation of The Canopy (the Experience) and subsequent clean up of the area. Now, we've got got Fremont Street East coming on strong - which was badly needed.

    Bill
     
  3. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    I love the way east Fremont has transformed itself.
    I've been going to Vegas since 1973, staying downtown since about 2000.

    All the changes I have witnessed are positive. A lot of credit has to go the owner of Zappos.
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2014
  4. UTE

    UTE Plastics

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    I'm not nostalgic about the area. I figure if something was good and enough people liked it, it survived. If not, well... that's how it works.

    Bill
     
  5. ruralhipster

    ruralhipster High-Roller

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    Las Vegas isn't alone in gentrifying it's downtown over the last couple decades. To be honest I miss the walk to the Western (during daylight hours) I haven't been offered drugs or a blowjob walking around Downtown in the last 6 years. It's hard to understand for a lot of people but there was something honest and authentic about the way things were. While there is a lot of great new venues I always feel like anything quirky or colorful was a deliberate ploy by marketing people. I like Downtown now, I liked it then but you are right the vibe on the fringes of downtown is different than it was at the turn of the century.
     
  6. LolaDoggie

    LolaDoggie VIP Whale

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    I regret not being adventurous downtown the first few times I went, before that 5 year stretch between trips. But, I'm happy there's still some old school stuff around for me to enjoy.
     
  7. bdautch

    bdautch VIP Whale

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    I got back from Vegas 20 minutes ago, and I had a really nice time on Fremont East. The Griffin, Don't Tell Mama, Commonwealth, Insert Coin(s)...the list goes on and on. We always have a blast over there. But Fremont Experience is just kinda ok, to my mind.
     
  8. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    How do I feel about Downtown today compared to yesterday?

    Well, because I'm older (58), Fremont East, although improved for the better, holds little interest for me. All the changes under the canopy is geared for the younger crowd, which I don't fit in, so again, no interest. I don't think you can even see the overhead light show anymore, with all the ziplines and people zipping by.

    Eventually, I see myself saying goodbye to Downtown. I really love this place, but if the trend toward the younger interests continue, I'll have to move on. Maybe to the local casinos like the station properties or to the Orleans and Gold Coast. On my last couple of trips I've stayed half off-strip and the other half downtown.

    I can tolerate the costumed characters most of the times but it's the beggars and pan handlers that I don't like. They used to be quickly escorted off the canopy area by security before but now they are camped right in the middle and security does nothing about it.
     
  9. C0usineddie

    C0usineddie VIP Whale

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    I went to the container park the other day and it was pretty neat.

    I dont really like the whole hipster vibe the fremont east section has. they did the same thing here in San Diego with the gaslamp district. Greatly improved but eventually it gets so improved that you get priced out of it. Now i cant afford to go to the gaslamp even though its close by.

    I do however like that they have redone some places, the old lady luck, the d, plaza. nice to see some new life put back into the old places.

    Would be nice to see them do something with the vegas club.
     
  10. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    I'm like Electroguy. All those changes in Fremont East do not interest me at all and I avoid them at all costs. I visited the container park once and while I may go back for a bite I probably skip all the clubs in the area. I might visit the market to check it out.

    I did check out the Spike replacement and will never go back again, doesn't interest me. I visited the DTG but that place also doesn't interest me.

    Actually I liked many of the stuff from times past, the old Binions, the LVC which had the upper deck, liberal 21 games and cheap rooms. I liked the D when it was the Fitz but not now with the loud music (note to self, bring earplugs next time).

    Sorry, I'm just an old fogey (even though I'm in my mid 50's) but I'm not a fan of zappos or many changes to downtown. The pan handlers don't bother me, nor do the costumed characters (although the guy walking around in his less than underwear grosses me out).

    I hope that I never say goodbye to downtown and as long as Boyd still caters to the Hawaiians and older crowd I will stay with them.
     
  11. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    Yep, I love downtown and Boyd is a big reason I stay there. Orleans and Gold Coast are offering me some attractive options lately too. And yeah, that diaper guy freaks me out. I wish he'd somehow go away.......
     
  12. bswim

    bswim High-Roller

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    Is this the same diaper guy that hangs out near Carnival Court on the strip dressed up as cupid?
    he's the only street performer that's creeped me out LOL

    I was thinking about being a Breaking Bad performer for a day, I could pull off a good Heisenberg but shaved off the goatee. Didn't think people would appreciate me standing around in my boxers LOL
     
  13. zamboni

    zamboni VIP Whale

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    You apparently have never seen the little fella that bangs on 5 gallon buckets with no arms. He has hands coming out of his shoulders/arm pits. Not his fault, I understand that he was born that way, but still kinda creepy
     
  14. failsafe

    failsafe Low-Roller

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    I went to go see the canopy Freemont Experience the year it opened. It was snowing from Antelope Valley into Vegas. I liked it from the beginning and I think the changes being made Downtown are for the better.
    It does have to compete somewhat with the Strip.
    I really like the overhaul of the Plaza casino.
    Even that ride overhead on the street where you climb the scaffolds and ride the basket across the street is interesting.
     
  15. ardee

    ardee It's only money.

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    I think that the changes have all been for the better, but as many have mentioned, that scene isn't for us. But as long as it's there, it sucks those people away from where we are, and that's good for both. we won't get on their nerves, they won't get on ours. Something for everybody if you know where to look.
     
  16. NickyDim

    NickyDim Hockey is life

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    As long as places like the 4Queens, Binions, Plaza, Fremont, ElCo, GN, MSS, Cal, GG don't change their gaming floors and keep their low limits, offer coupons or cheap eats, and cheap or comped rooms, and plenty of booze, it'll always be the downtown I love.
     
  17. shokhead

    shokhead No big spender unless eating drinking having fun!

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    :beer:
     
  18. fenway68

    fenway68 VIP Whale

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    Strongly considering trying out a completely downtown trip next time out...Last few trips, I have had every intention of heading downtown to see the most recent changes (been about 5 years since last I stepped foot) but never make it..our trips are usually on the shorter side (4 days) and have been on the lazy side of heading down...
     
  19. Electroguy563

    Electroguy563 Vegas Joker

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    I couldn't agree more. It's these things that keep me coming back. I must admit I spend less time now out under the canopy. I used to like to stroll under the Fremont Experience but now I just dart from casino to casino.
     
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