QUARTERLY UPDATE: MARCH 2026
March 6, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
Gateway Roundabout Improvements in 2026
Lefrancois Engineering has sent out RFPs to contractors to bid on the work to improve the roundabout. Although we are still working through the permits, the project seems to be on track to start work this spring. The improvements include safety features recommended by NDOT and upgraded landscaping supported by irrigation. Christine Karnofsky, Garden Designer, led the volunteer work of the Incline Village Main Street Design Team. The improvements will include iconic granite boulders, fir and aspen trees, along with a succession of perennials throughout the blooming season. The popular bronze animal sculptures by June Brown will be repositioned on the roundabout.
Gateway Roundabout Funding and Agency Partners
Private funds have been donated for the roundabout and other beautification projects through the Sierra Giving Circle. IVCBA partners with Incline Tahoe Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, to manage charitable donations. Thank you to all of the Sierra Giving Circle donors! Agency partners include Washoe County, NDOT, TRPA, and IVGID. Agencies have been very cooperative! Local funding partners include the Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline and several prominent local philanthropists.
Incline Village Main Street Project Manager
Steve Blaney has been hired as a part-time subcontractor to manage Inclined to Bloom and other beautification projects. His work will help establish the feasibility of short-term projects, such as trails that improve walkability, and long-term projects, such as installing lamp posts along Tahoe Blvd. Main Street is exploring ways to extend the placemaking features planned for the roundabout to our “main street” through Incline Village. Steve’s business is Wildlife Mitigation Consultants. He brings knowledge and experience in urban planning and landscaping to the job. Funding for these projects comes through the Sierra Giving Circle at Incline Tahoe Foundation.
2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gateway Roundabout Improvements
● Established Design Team: Steve Porten, Christine Karnofsky, Dale Smith, and Larry Wodarski; utilized community input for initial design
● Hired Lefrancois Engineering as Project Manager
● LA studio completed landscape architecture drawings
● Successfully engaged agency partners
● Submitted preliminary plans to NDOT
Inclined to Bloom
● Hanging baskets in Village Center and Christmas Tree Village
● Railing planters and wooden planters in Raleys Incline Center
● Terra cotta pots at 3 bus shelters, watered by Rotary clubs
Community-driven Projects that promote Walkability
● Gathering Place below Crosby’s at Christmas Tree Village
Sierra Giving Circle partnership with Incline Tahoe Foundation
● Kick-off Roots to Revitalization Community Dinner in September
● Raised $230,000 for Beautification projects
Commercial Community Redevelopment Projects
● Hyatt Regency kicked off its project on the lakeside of the Hyatt property
● Revitalizing the Cal Neva is underway for its extensive remodel with plans to reopen in 2027