The Ormsby House hotel-casino has a new buyer, according to a spokeswoman for the company.
Cubix Ormsby LLC. Chief Financial Officer Kim Fiegehen confirmed the information to 2 News on Thursday.
There's no immediate word on what is planned for the property. We are working to get those details.
Major William Ormsby opened the original Ormsby House in 1860. Former Nevada Governor and Senator Paul Laxalt built the current building in 1972.
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UPDATE, October 2019:
A representative for the sellers of the the Ormsby House say it was released from escrow as of Friday, October 11 at the buyer's request.
They said on October 1, the buyer went before the city's major plan review team to present his plan.
They said the city made suggestions to the buyer on how they may proceed forward.
The representative said after speaking with the buyer about the findings, additional terms were proposed so that he may extend escrow at his request, for an additional six to eight months.
They said the buyer chose not to extend escrow.
Original Story, September 2019: Joe D'Angelo has ambitious plans for the Ormsby House. The hotel-casino closed 18 years ago, and has been vacant ever since. D'Angelo wants to convert the building into an upscale mixed-use building, including one and two-room suites, hotel rooms, and commercial space.
"We want to bring it back with a five-star, platinum look so that whoever walks in here, I want that 'wow factor,'" D'Angelo, President of Joshua's Community said.
Most of the 10-story building is stripped down to the studs. That is exactly what D'Angelo wants to work with.
"This building is in actually perfect condition for what we want to do," D'Angelo said. "We don't have to tear out a lot. It's a huge remodel."
The building's new name would be 'Joshua's House.' The bottom floor would have five unique restaurants, including a coffeehouse. He says the spaces would be perfect for first-time business owners and start-up businesses. D'Angelo says he does not want the main floor to feel like a shopping mall, but Carson City's biggest living room.
"My vision for this would be a nice waterscape with a domed ceiling," D'Angelo said. "You can come and plug in your phones, plug in your iPhones, your iPads, sit down there, have a coffee, eat, whatever it is. You can visit. It can become community again."
One of the most iconic features in the building is the center wooden staircase. It is in need of repair and D'Angelo wants to refurbish it back to its original look.
"It's going to bring back a lot of memories for the community, a lot of good times and all we want to do is have that again," D'Angelo said.
The suites would not be cheap. D'Angelo says they could cost a whopping $22,000 per month for a two-room unit. He says a one-room suite would cost about $10,000 per month.
"If it's unfurnished, of course it will be less expensive but this is top of the line," D'Angelo said. "There will be five-star amenities and this is very similar to an all-inclusive."
He says wealthy people will pay that price. He also says his background in nonprofit organizations and charities gives him the know-how to secure grant funding that will off-set costs for some renters. His plan includes a child care facility on the second floor which would be free for employees. It would include health insurance for renters and a concierge service that provides in-house medical care.
"The difference is if I get sick, I'm in my room, care comes to me," D'Angelo said. "I don't have to go out. I don't have to call an ambulance, I don't have to call the fire department."
D'Angelo says construction will begin immediately after the sale goes through, saying it could generate about $50 million in economic impact for workers, creating up to 350 local jobs. He has an aggressive timeline for a soft opening of the first two floors by April or May of 2020, with guests moving in as early as June or July.
"I want to dispel rumors," D'Angelo said. "This is not a convalescent home. This is not a group home. This is adult living."
The swimming pool used to be on the fourth-floor roof. That is now filled in with concrete and sits beneath a glass canopy. D'Angelo wants to convert that into a patio and garden area, possibly opening up the rest of the roof as well.
He says hotel space would be available but he hasn't discussed rates yet.
"We have the state legislature across the street," D'Angelo said. "We can service everything for their needs, food-wise and so forth, rooms, and a gathering place."
D'Angelo says the second floor space would include a showroom where the buffet used to be. It could be used for a variety of events.
"High school proms, Native American Indians, bring them in for their dancing, for their culture, history," D'Angelo said. "I want to bring education into the building."
D'Angelo says educational programs could generate $5-$20 million in grant funding. The potential purchase would also include the vacant Arco station on the adjacent property. He wants to use it to create green energy and a hydroponics farm.
"I'm prepared to close now but I will not close until I have all of the proper permits in hand," D'Angelo said.
Major William Ormsby opened the original Ormsby House in 1860. Former Nevada Governor and Senator Paul Laxalt built the current building in 1972. D'Angelo wants to keep the history of the property alive for future generations.
"From William Ormsby all the way through the Laxalt family, this was the place," D'Angelo said. "Why should it be torn down and just become a memory?"
