The Wells Avenue District, spanning from Kuenzli Street to Plumb Lane in the north-south direction and from Holcomb Avenue to Locust Street in the west-east direction, is a vibrant geographical area in Reno. The Wells Avenue District is a vibrant and diverse historic business district with over 200 small businesses, the majority of which are locally-owned. The mile long commercial section of South
Wells runs between Virginia Street to the south and Kuenzli street to the North and is bordered on both sides by the Wells Avenue Conservation district, a residential area officially recognized for its unique historic make-up of craftsman bungalows and other historic homes. Wells Avenue is known for its community spirit where locals walk, drive, or bike to their favorite specialty shops. The one of -a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this district, offering products and personalized service that big box stores can’t offer. Patrick's Day celebration, the Fiesta on Wells, and PJ’s Wednesday Bike Night, Wells Avenue features 40 retail shops, 13 restaurants, 7 pubs & bars, 17 service & repair shops, 15 hair salons, 8 tattoo shops, 6 insurance agents, 6 real estate agents, 4 non-profit organizations, a variety of offices, and the Marketon grocery store – a neighborhood favorite - which carries Latino specialty foods such as homemade tortillas and queso. This and other Hispanic businesses on Wells Avenue give the area an ethnic flavor unlike elsewhere in Reno. To support businesses and facilitate greater participation in the development and renovation of this unique business district, and in response to a planned city-sponsored renovation, the Wells Avenue Merchants and Property Owners Association (WAMPA) was formed in 2000. As part of this cooperative effort between WAMPA, RTC, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the City of Reno, and state and federal governments, Wells Avenue received new utilities and paving, enhanced traffic patterns, street lamps, and additional crosswalks, Wells was one of the first streets in Reno to have a “Main Street” design – a layout friendly to pedestrians and cyclists – which has slowed traffic and reduced pedestrian and auto accidents since its completion in 2004. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce played a crucial role in the beautification features of the renovation project. Representing the chamber, Leslie Mix met with Senator Reid in Washington, D.C. who helped secure an Economic Development Initiative grant. The grant included landscaping, banners, benches, bike racks and modern art sculptures by acclaimed sculptor Ben Victor. Wells Avenue is a neighborhood first, and a business district next. Local customers know their shop owners by name, and residents, merchants, and property owners have come together many times over the last decade to help complete projects such as the Roots for Wells tree planting, the Wells Avenue Neighborhood Plan, and the Wells Avenue Conservation District. Volunteers clean graffiti, pick up trash, look after their neighbors and their property, go to City Council meetings, and talk to their council members. In cooperation with the Reno Police, the West of Wells Neighborhood Group (WOW) has shown that community involvement reduces crime. Because of these efforts, the Wells Avenue district has been an inspiration and model for other districts in Reno because Wells Avenue knows how to make things happen. Beautification efforts and renovation of historic buildings continue on Wells Avenue with an emphasis toward store front improvements and maintaining a clean, safe and attractive street. This business district will remain a diverse mix of businesses with an ethnic flare, and those starting a small business will find that Wells Avenue remains affordable for purchase or lease. In addition, the neighborhood is experiencing something of a renaissance as demand increases for the area’s charming bungalow homes. As a unique historic district close to downtown, Wells Avenue offers much to Reno’s residents, merchants, and visitors, and it will continue to help shape its future and be recognized as a great place to live and work. (Shed) Wells for whom Wells avenue is named, was identified for nearly all his adult life with the livestock industry. Wells avenue became a main artery when in the late 1930s it was extended north with an underpass of the Southern Pacific Track. At the same time it was cut through at the southern end to Casazza drive to join South Virginia street. On the north it crosses East Fourth street and continues to the north end of the fair grounds. Wells was born in Canada in 1845, and came west to Austin as a young man. Later he went to the White Pine mining district during the excitement of the 1860’s. He soon realized that mining was not his game, and turned to the livestock business to which he devoted all his energy and resources for many years to come. He was rewarded for his industry as he accumulated a fortune in the sheep business. In 1886, Sheldon Wells moved to Eureka, and the following year to Reno. Here he formed a partnership with L. Folsom in a general merchandising store in the Masonic Temple building at Commercial Row and Sierra streets. The Mercantile Store occupies the same space now in the same building. Folsom and Wells were commission merchants and handled all kinds of farm produce. Their partnership was dissolved in 1892 and Mr. Wells went into business for himself. He opened his store at the corner of Plaza and North Virginia street and soon was doing flourishing business. At the same time he kept up his sheep business and bought a large ranch southeast of Reno
to be used as headquarters for his livestock industry. This ranch was subdivided after his death by his son-in-law, Samuel Wheeler, who named the street Wells avenue to honor the memory of his father-inlaw. In 1899 he sold his store to J. This year was his last and he spent much of it outdoors supervising a wood yard he owned. He died May 10, 1900. Sam Wheeler lives in Reno. See Less
