Zappos to Set Up Shop in Downtown Las Vegas

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Las Vegas desperately needs a plan that will shake things up and redefine the charm of the city that tore Sinatra between New York and The Strip. Housing is collapsed with little signs pointing toward a safe harbor. The commercial sector is plagued by a massive number of foreclosures and companies’ inability to revive interest in the area.

The 1960s marked a peculiar upswing in interest that was single-handedly generated by the eccentricity of Howard Hughes. Sure, he did it because his hotel wanted him to vacate the premises; but, nevertheless, what he brought to the city only changed it for the better.

History aside, a closer look at present-day Las Vegas reveals a company that’s willing to take the reins and steer downtown in a direction befitting the city’s vibrant history. Zappos and CEO Tony Hsieh have written an incredible success story, and the company means to give plenty back to the local community. It has already started by securing its new headquarters in the former City Hall building, a Las Vegas landmark that would have most likely drifted into condemned building territory in the years to come.

Zappos envisions a downtown revival that would accommodate as many as 8,000 employees. Cafes, restaurants and various entertainment venues will spark any potential employee’s desire to relocate to an area that, by then, will have hopefully shed all of its woes.