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VSA arts of Nevada's
 Lake Mansion
RENO'S FIRST ADDRESS
Available to rent for your next event
Photograph of the Lake Mansion

The Lake Mansion was the home of Myron and Jane Lake, one of the founders of Reno. In January 1996 VSA arts of Nevada moved into the 1877 Lake Mansion. We have fully renovated the building and moved the mansion to its new home, on the corner of Court St and Arlington Ave in Reno's thriving arts district.  

Lake Mansion History. . . . .
Myron and Jane Lake. . . . .
Construction. . . . .
Restoration. . . . .
Moving the Mansion...  
Visit the Mansion. . . . . 
Help Maintain the Lake Mansion. . . . .
Rent the Lake Mansion for Your Next Event. . . . .

Lake Mansion History. . . . .
The Lake Mansion, built in 1877 by W.J. Marsh was sold to Myron Lake in 1879. Lake is often considered the founder of Reno. In fact, his toll bridge across the Truckee caused the early settlement to be called "Lake's Crossing." The Lake Mansion was originally located near the river crossing at Virginia and California Streets.

Myron and Jane Lake. . . . .
Photograph of Myron Lake, founder of Reno Myron and Jane Lake were married in Lassen County, California in September 1864. Their stormy marriage ended in divorce in 1879. Myron Lake was notoriously wily in his financial dealings and often angered the citizens of the town he helped to build.

Construction. . . . .
The Lake Mansion is an ornate example of the Italianate style. With the hipped roof and veranda banding the house, it typifies upper middle class prosperity during the period. Well-detailed brackets, window frames, doors and balustrades testify to the quality craftsmanship which went into the structure's construction.  Among the impressive details of the Lake Mansion are the etched glass of the doorway, the period furnishings, and the carved woodwork over the sliding doors in the front parlor.

Restoration. . . . .
"Old friends are worth keeping," according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Thanks to several grant awards, the Lake Mansion, built in 1877 near the Truckee River in downtown Reno and moved to the Convention Center over 30 years ago, and in July of 2004 moved back downtown.  The Lake Mansion is open to welcome visitors for many years to come. Come by the Lake Mansion Tuesday through Thursday from 10-4 to enjoy a self guided tour of the historic main floor.

Since 1996, major donors to the restoration of the mansion have included the State of Nevada's Commission for Cultural Affairs through the State of Nevada Department of Museums, Library and Arts State Historic Preservation Office, Nevada State Council on the Arts', Redfield Foundation,  and in-kind assistance from United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, Clark and Sullivan Constructors, Nevada Bell,  IGT and other individuals.

Moving the Mansion...  
To date, the Lake Mansion has had three addresses, as the building has been moved twice. The original location was Reno's first address, on the corner of California Ave and Virginia St. In 1971 the mansion was threatened with demolition, but residents of Reno rallied to save the structure. The aging mansion was donated by the owners and moved to the Reno-Sparks grounds of the modern day Convention Center on the corner of Kietzke Lane and Virginia Street. In 2004 the mansion was moved once again to its current downtown location. 

What does the Mansion move mean for Northern Nevada? 
City of Reno Mayor Bob Cashell ... As a city, we are committed to maintaining our beautiful historic structures.  One of the most significant structures, the Lake Mansion, will be moving back downtown in 2004 to enhance our already thriving Arts and Culture District.  The Lake Mansion, under the stewardship of VSA arts of Nevada, will be a focal point for the arts, history and programs for locals and visitors.  We look forward to our continued partnership in bringing the Lake Mansion home to shine for all our residents and visitors.  

  • Jane and Myron Lake's home, listed on both the national and state historic registers, will be preserved as a treasure for another century.  
  • An additional cultural and historic facility in the burgeoning Reno downtown arts district that now includes the Nevada Museum of Art, Pioneer Center, Riverside Artists Lofts and The Lear Theater, along with several other private galleries and shops.  The mansion is also  a block from Wingfield Park and the new Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield.  
  • A location for children and adults with and without disabilities to explore the arts in an integrated positive environment.  
  • A place for tourists and locals including children and adults to explore Reno's unique and exciting (sometimes sordid!) history.
  • A permanent home for VSA arts of Nevada, formerly Very Special Arts Nevada, for administrative offices, a fine art gallery, a gift shop and program space inside and out.  
  • A resource center for Nevada's teachers and artists to reference information on the arts, disability issues and Reno history. 
  • An event for northern Nevada like no other!  On July 11, 2004  the "most moving event of Artown" took place in Reno when the 40-ton mansion was moved 3.1 miles down Virginia Street.  

 

Visit the Mansion. . . . . 
VSA arts of Nevada will open the doors of the beautiful and historic Lake Mansion for self-guided tours on weekdays from 10 AM - 2PM (unless we are closed for a meeting/event). Please call our offices for more information at 775-826-6100.

Help Maintain the Lake Mansion...
Individuals, corporations, foundation, service organizations and others can "help maintain the mansion" with donations.  For donations of $150 - $999, your name will be inscribed on a brick to be used in the Lake Mansion landscaping.  For a $1,000+ donations, your name will be inscribed on a double paver to be used in the landscaping, you will receive a "baby brick" to display in your own home or office, and you will be included in a donor recognition wall in the mansion.  There are also several naming opportunities for donations $25,000 plus.  If you would like to be a sponsor or would like to volunteer please contact:


Rent the Lake Mansion for Your Next Event. . . . .

        

Major Lake Mansion move sponsors:  Nevada Cultural Commission, City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission,  Truckee Meadows Heritage Trust, City Councilperson Toni Harsh, City of Reno set-side funds, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and Model Dairy.