Story and Photos by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno
Reno was initially established as a mining town in the latter half of the 19th century. It operated as a temporary residence for people who desired to get rich quick, and then return to where they came from. The early driving forces of Reno’s economy would set the precedent for the city’s transience, which in turn would shift from mining to gambling.
Reno's remaining boutique motels, those not being torn down, are both part of what make downtown Reno unique and still affordable for those who can't afford rising rents or hotel rooms. Photo by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno
Motels for Divorcees
In the early decades of the 20th century, Reno made a name for itself in becoming the so-called divorce capital of the world. The courts determined that only a six-week residency period was necessary in Nevada before processing divorces as official (half that of other states). During the six-week period, many travellers would revel in their newfound ‘freedom’ and turn to the illustrious casinos and bars downtown. Many, however, needed a place to stay. The necessity for inexpensive, momentary housing resulted in the creation of a multitude of motels, weekly or otherwise.
Often adorned with vintage decor of the 1970s, motels have become a pivotal part of Reno’s composition—even if you haven’t stayed in one. On a casual drive up or down one of the main drags of Reno, it’s uncommon to not see at least one motel in a quick glance out of a car window. Photo by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno
Still Open for Business
To this day, many motels still exist in various pockets throughout the downtown Reno area. Although they don’t operate in the same fashion of the late 1940s, some motels—if they’re still open for business—function as a cheap alternative to the increasingly revitalized hotels located downtown.
Not only do these motels serve as a low-priced option for folks traveling through Reno, they’re also a cheaper housing option for many people who can’t afford to rent an apartment or buy a house.
“A weekly for one bed was about a hundred and thirty dollars," said Chuck, who was staying at the Rancho Sierra Motel. "They also rent monthly and have regular tenants.” The owner of the Rancho Sierra Motel declined to comment for this story. Photo by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno
Accessible Housing
There are numerous people who have been afflicted by hard times—gambling losses, addiction, fleeting mental health, health problems, family issues, etc .... Often times, many people are forced to turn to the precarious, seven-day or monthly shelter options that motels provide.
Cheaper hotels of Reno sometimes get less than glowing reviews from tourists, but for some Reno residents they have no other options given prices in the market.
Surviving at the Ponderosa
Jackie, a 43-year-old woman living on a weekly basis in the downtown Ponderosa hotel, said that a troubled family history resulted in her family moving to Reno from Carson City. Following the move, her mother walked out on her, but she remains at the hotel with her step-dad.
Reno's motels have a long and storied history up to the present, but current gentrification is putting many of these local landmarks and cheaper housing and hotel options at risk. Photo by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno
Story and Photos by Jacob Jacoby for Our Town Reno