Eric Strain, architect and associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, shared his goals and perspectives for revitalizing Downtown Las Vegas at the AIA Conference this year. During his presentation, Strain emphasized the developmental momentum Las Vegas has been brewing. Much of his presentation focused on the importance of creating a stronger community outside the strip.

Strain asked the audience, "What's missing in downtown?" He continued by asking, "How do we bring housing downtown?" Initiatives to turn city spaces like the iconic East Fremont Street into a thriving community has been a continuing topic of discussion over the years. With the announcement of big businesses like Zappos opening a headquarters downtown, plans to recreate and re-establish a new city infrastructure show promise. 

In his brief presentation, Strain mentioned the growing economic potential downtown Las Vegas has and that the hoped to draw people to live in the city. Part of his closing remarks covered topics like green space, the current water crisis, and what it means to live and build in hot desert areas.