Old Reno

Best historic building

Masonic Temple

On the southeast corner of Commercial and Sierra streets stands the oldest public building in Reno, possibly the city’s oldest building, period. Built as a Masonic Temple in the late 1860s, it became known to a few people still living as the home of Reno Mercantile. Those who have seen the inside come away impressed by features like the ornate metal ceiling. Yet its oldest status has not gotten it much respect from preservationists. Even the city’s historic preservation commission has left it off its most-endangered lists. It finally got a break in May when Preserve Nevada put it on its most-endangered list.

Best defunct restaurant

Liberty Belle

After the closure of the Stein, lunch at the Liberty Belle was the closest thing Reno offered to a hofbrau, still a crying need. The Belle spent its last years with the Convention Center hovering, pressuring the Feys, who owned it, to sell out so it could be torn down. Unfortunately, no one took our advice—to put it up to a vote by the public whether to tear down the Liberty Belle or the Convention Center. Too bad. It would have saved the Liberty Belle.

Readers’ choices

Best defunct bar

1. 775 Gastropub

2. Del Mar Station

3. Hideout Lounge

Best defunct business

1. Park Lane Mall

2. Happy Happy Joy Joy

3. Deux Gros Nez

Best defunct casino

1. Mapes Hotel

2. Fitzgerald’s

3. Flamingo Hilton

Best defunct local band

1. The Mudsharks

2. Buster Blue

3. December

Best defunct local sports team

1. Reno Bighorns, basketball

2. Reno Silver Sox, baseball

3. Reno Renegades, hockey

Best defunct restaurant

1. Pneumatic Diner

2. Liberty Belle

3. Famous Murphy’s

Best historic building

1. Downtown Reno post office

2. Lake Mansion

3. Washoe County Courthouse

Best local historical event

1. Hot August Nights

2. International Camel & Ostrich Races

3. Nevada Day Parade, Carson City

Best local historical figure

1. Mark Twain

2. Sarah Winnemucca

3. Bill Harrah

Best local legend

1. Pyramid Lake water babies

2. Tahoe Tessie

3. Ed the waver