Historic Bowers Mansion Opens For Tours

The recently renovated historic Bowers Mansion in Washoe Valley will reopen for tours on May 18 for the first time since 2009. Two $100,000 grants from the State Historic Preservation Office Commission on Cultural Affairs were received for the seismic and structural rehabilitation of the mansion. In addition, the mansion’s spring-fed swimming pool will reopen June 8. The William N. Pennington Foundation donated $150,000 to renovate the Bowers Pool, which has also been closed since 2009.

There will be a series of programs entitled “Programs on the Porch” at 7 p.m. Friday evenings May 31-June 28. Washoe County Parks Ranger Jerry Buzzard will host the programs, which will include music and guest speakers and are free with donations accepted.

WHERE: 4005 U.S. Highway 395 North, Carson City, NV 89704 (21 miles south of Reno on old US 395).

WHEN: Tours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through September 29. Tours are on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

COST: Adults, ages 18-61, $8; children 6-17, $5, seniors 62+, $5; children 5 and younger are free.

CONTACT: Group tours can be coordinated by calling 775-849-0201.

Bowers Mansion offers a rare glimpse into Nevada life during the 1860s. The mansion was built in 1864 by Comstock millionaires L.S. “Sandy” Bowers and his wife, Allison Oram. Their story reflects the rags-to-riches-to-rags tales so commonly associated with Nevada’s first silver boom. Along with the history, visitors are sure to enjoy the beauty of the mansion’s sixteen rooms, each elegantly furnished with Victorian antiques.

For more information, visit washoecounty.us/parks.

Northern Nevada freeway nears completion

Looking southwest toward the Galena Creek Bridge, a centerpiece of the soon-to-open U.S. Highway 395/Interstate 580 freeway extension.

BY ADAM ROBERTSON

Anyone driving between Reno and Carson City has seen it—a new stretch of concrete and asphalt winding through the hills north and west of Washoe and Pleasant Valleys; and soon, they will finally be allowed to drive on it.

On Saturday, July 28, the Nevada Department of Transportation will host an event during which walkers, runners, and bicyclists will be allowed to travel the 8.5 miles of the U.S. Highway 395/Interstate 580 freeway extension running from State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway), in Reno, to the Bowers Mansion Interchange in Washoe Valley. This will be the first and only time pedestrians and cyclists are allowed on the new freeway after it officially opens to traffic in late July or early August.

The event will kick off with a fun run in the northbound lanes at 7 a.m., and music and vendors will line the route. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the southbound lanes will be opened to vehicles. NDOT is working with the Governor’s office to schedule a ribbon-cutting event.   

The new freeway uses nine bridges to span the canyons through the hills, including the Galena Creek Bridge, the longest concrete cathedral arch bridge in the world. At 300 feet above the canyon floor, it was the most perilous part of the project, as high winds presented myriad challenges to construction crews.

Composed of three interlocking decks, the NDOT-designed bridge is built to the latest standards and specifications. Built with an eye for aesthetics, the new freeway is meant to blend with the natural landscape and not be an eyesore for Pleasant Valley residents. Steps have also been taken to return the land to its natural state after construction.

More information about the extension project can be found on NDOT’s website freewayextension.com.

Photos by Charlie Johnston

Nevada Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Scott Magruder points to Pleasant Valley, between Reno and Carson City, during a June 20 tour.