The Local Lens – Main Street Revitalization Projects
March 18, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
We will be “Dancing With Daffodils” soon! Remember those 7,000 bulbs planted last fall? Be on the lookout for daffodils near you or throughout our commercial areas. Send photos of daffodil sightings to Info@IVCBA.org. Daffodils reflect the hardy nature of people who live here year-round. We know we will get snowed on again this year, but we keep popping back up! We are so fortunate to enjoy this unprecedented stretch of warm weather, but remember what I say about spring: It’s really only the month of June, and then all of a sudden, it’s summer on the 4th of July!
Incline Village Main Street is the IVCBA program that champions beautification and revitalization projects. It brings you daffodils, flowers in pots, and hanging baskets, and works to create a cohesive look to Tahoe Blvd. The Gateway Roundabout improvements are on track for this spring and will create a sense of place for the gateway to the East Shore of Lake Tahoe, also known as the gem of Washoe County. Irrigation to support perennials and other vegetation will reflect the natural beauty of the Tahoe Basin.
COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION
Sometimes I feel like I live “under a rock”, but even I have been hearing the buzz about the new restaurant going into the old Rookies building in Raley’s Incline Center. I have met with James, who works for a restaurant implementation company, on behalf of the building owner. Although they have not finalized the name or menu, I can safely tell you it is not going to be a steakhouse (as the current rumor). Watch for casual dining and a “provisions” hub for “grab and go” food items for picnics or family dinners.
One could say there is a restaurant revitalization underway throughout Incline. Rosewood in Raleys Incline Center is expanding into the old Jiffy Pizza space; details still to come. Across the street at Incline Plaza, Bite expanded its space last year, and La Loca adds a fun Mediterranean vibe at the end of the boardwalk. Country Club Center is still a “go-to” place for restaurants. People who go looking for Austins will not be disappointed to find Paxton’s.
I need another paragraph to cover more restaurant changes! Have you seen the renovated Glasses Wine Bar in Village Center? Gamechanger! Go see it. Sunshine Deli has changes coming up too. Long-time owners John and Debbie Sullivan are retiring and turning the business over to Marly. Marly has a Kiwi accent but has roots in the Southeast Asian country of Laos. New lunch place: Happy Tiers is expanding, both their food options and adding a location in Kings Beach.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Tahoe Forest Health System and UNR at Lake Tahoe both want your feedback and insights into future programming. True North is the hospital’s campaign. Their survey is already out. Two listening sessions are planned for Incline in the next couple of weeks. Also, TNT/TMA is conducting a Winter Commuter Survey to better understand commuter needs and encourage the use of alternative transportation.
UNR STATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY >
Need links to CAB and to TTD below:
The CAB meeting next Monday…They have asked Tahoe Family Solutions and Sierra Community House to speak to the need for workforce housing. They hope to attract the attention of the Reno Housing Authority, which has also been invited to the CAB meeting. Washoe County has asked RHA to explore the possible use of the old elementary school site for workforce housing. Tahoe Transportation District announced in December that they were no longer trying to build a transportation hub there; presumably, there could be more discussion about it at its April 1 board meeting.
Linda’s “hot tip” for enjoying the nice weather: Take advantage of the East Shore Trail in this off-season when you can probably get a parking place!
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