Workers were emptying out parts of the usually “always open” Gold ’N Silver Inn Monday, as a sign said it was closed until Thursday, as it’s now under the management of Jacobs Entertainment, as part of its buyout spree of entire swaths of downtown Reno, most of it now dirt lots surrounded by unstable fencing.
"Jacobs Entertainment extends its sincerest gratitude for everything Jeff Paine has done for this community and we are excited to carry on the legacy of The Gold 'N Silver Inn," Jacobs Entertainment said in a statement.
A favorite restaurant for many locals, it’s been an iconic venue on 4th street since the 1960s, and which according to their sign was established in 1956.
It was bought by Jacobs Entertainment in January last year, with Paine saying he was ready to retire after owning and running the restaurant for over 35 years.
Nearby, the Chapel of the Bells, closed for a while now after also being bought out, is slowly decaying, with litter all around it. A historical home is boarded up behind it, also bought out, with birds flying in and out of broken windows.
Several unhoused people pushing their belongings could be seen walking in front of the Jacobs Gold Dust West across the street, while people living in an RV had a view of the now familiar multi colored and quickly fraying Neon Line District fabric which covers the fences around the many dirt lots.
Many of these were previously the site of motels, and due to the affordable housing crisis, often the last or first resort before or after homelessness.