2 days ago
Las Vegas ‘Filipino Town' boosts cultural development
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – It's been less than two month since Clark County officially proclaimed the area along Maryland Parkway between Desert Inn and Flamingo roads, 'Filipino Town.'
With the official title now set, many Las Vegas residents across the valley have taken an interest and want a piece of the cultural district.
Boulevard Mall General Manager and President Timo Kuusela said he is excited about the new developments on the horizon for the newly recognized cultural hub, 'Filipino Town.'
'We're seeing a lot of action heat up now,' Kuusela told 8 News Now.
Anchor stores, such as a supermarket and a well-known Filipino restaurant, could build foot traffic- something the area desperately needs. Other ethnic businesses are in the pipeline Kuusela said.
'Currently, we're in discussions with several companies and we hope to see them opening up here in the next six months or so,' he added.
Cultural activist, Rozita Lee spearheaded the initiative to get the area along Maryland Parkway between Desert Inn and Flamingo roads designated as 'Filipino Town.' Lee said that seeing her dreams become a reality is beyond rewarding.
'I was the one that went to see Commissioner Tick Segerblom, and I asked him what the possibility was of having a designated area for Filipinos because there are 250,000 of us in Las Vegas now and we are growing,' Lee said.
Part of her master plan includes opening a museum, showcasing Filipino artifacts, and promoting Filipino artists.
'The museum is an entity that we feel will draw people and educate people about our culture. Timo of Boulevard Mall was kind enough to open a space for us,' Lee said.
Currently, plans are still in the works with no construction date set, but Lee told 8 News Now that they are looking at naming it, 'The Museum for Filipino Town Las Vegas.'
Down the way, near where the Dillard's used to be, Fashion Designer, David Tupaz, was thrilled to see this cultural corridor come to fruition.
'It was a blessing when 'Filipino Town' was established in April, and now the Boulevard Mall awarded an area where we could build a Filipino museum,' Tupaz said.
He also said he plans to open a retail shop inside the mall just in time for holiday shoppers.
'I have a brand, and I was thinking of opening a showroom in the mall. I might as well set a presence where my people are, right?' Tupaz added.
Boulevard Mall was the first mall in Nevada, opening in 1968. 57 years later, it's getting a full makeover to attract new business in an ever-changing retail landscape.
You can expect to see signs designating 'Filipino Town' sometime this year.
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