Las Vegas Great Blocks

SITES was commissioned by New Mexico MainStreet to provide planning and design services for the Great Blocks Program in Las Vegas’ Historic Railroad District. The project focused on three blocks along Lincoln and Railroad Avenues, an area rich in history and positioned for renewed activity.

The redesign of Railroad Avenue creates a two-lane street with parallel parking and generous sidewalks on both sides. The wider east side accommodates both a walkway and a multi-use path for bicycles and pedestrians, which is planned to extend south and connect with the Galleta River Trail. A small sidewalk plaza and a mid-block crossing at the historic Castaneda Hotel improve pedestrian access and strengthen the sense of arrival at this landmark.

East Lincoln Street is envisioned as a flexible corridor that functions as a traditional street most days and transforms into a pedestrian plaza during events. Trees line the space, supported by permeable paving and subsurface wicking systems. The street grade is slightly elevated with low mountable curbs, creating a more comfortable walking environment. Gateways at the Grand Avenue intersection mark the entrance to the district, while steel railroad rails embedded in the roadway pay homage to the site’s past. Throughout the project area, sidewalk extensions and improved crossings make pedestrian travel safer and more intuitive.