Former Reno Police building on Keystone Avenue seeks buyers
The Reno City Council voted to auction a former police building on Keystone Avenue. A council member raised concerns about the property potentially becoming a data center, but city officials clarified that the current mixed-use zoning does not permit data centers on the site.
The Reno City Council has unanimously approved the auction of a vacant former Police Department evidence storage building located at 264 Keystone Avenue. The property, built in 1967, is one of 23 identified in the council's 2025 property sales plan and was appraised at $2.7 million, though it would require an estimated $8.6 million in improvements.
During the council meeting, members discussed whether to pursue a public auction for maximum financial return or a request for proposals (RFP) to ensure a specific economic or redevelopment purpose. Council member Kathleen Taylor motioned for an RFP, hoping to attract creative ideas for the challenging site near railroad tracks.
Council member Devon Reese raised a concern that the property, situated across the street from the Keystone Data Center, might be acquired at auction for data center development. However, Reno's revitalization manager Bryan McArdle clarified that the property's current mixed-use zoning in the downtown northwest quadrant explicitly prohibits data centers. He suggested that projects like affordable senior housing would be permitted under the existing code.