Fergusons Downtown has established itself as a vital hub for independent creators, transforming a former motel into a community-centered space that fosters local commerce and collaborative artistry in Las Vegas.
Curating a Haven for Local Makers
The complex’s general manager, Hannah Kelley, explains that Fergusons is intentionally designed to be an ecosystem for local talent rather than a typical retail center. This identity is maintained through a selective tenant process.
“At Fergusons Downtown, we’re intentional about building an ecosystem of local makers — not just a collection of shops,” Kelley said. “We look for tenants (neighbors) who are rooted in community, passion and craft. That means small, independent businesses that create or curate their own products and want to grow in a collaborative environment.”
This standard ensures the complex remains authentic in a city known for commercialized tourism. “Our mission is to support local talent and local dreams,” Kelley affirmed. “That standard is what keeps Fergusons Downtown an authentic space rather than a commercialized shopping district.”
Architecture and Community Impact
The physical layout of the repurposed motel plays a crucial role in promoting connectivity and supporting its small businesses. Kelley notes the design naturally encourages people to interact.
“The Fergusons Downtown layout is built around connection,” Kelley stated. “A shared courtyard, an open lawn, and built-in hangout spaces naturally pull people together. The adaptive reuse of this classic Las Vegas motel puts our tenant’s doors facing toward the center of the community.”
This communal structure is essential for events like Small Business Saturday. “Small Business Saturday is one of our biggest days of the year, and we treat it as a major spotlight moment for our tenants,” Kelley explained. The complex enhances the day with live music, workshops, and a customized hot cocoa bar, creating “an experience rather than just a shopping occasion.” This boost is critical: “For many of our tenants, Small Business Saturday is one of their top sales days of the entire year. It often sets the tone for their holiday season financially and introduces them to new customers who come back throughout the year.”
Supporting Local Entrepreneurship
In a landscape dominated by large hospitality brands, Fergusons Downtown provides essential infrastructure for independent makers who often struggle with visibility and access to commercial space.
“Las Vegas is dominated by large hospitality groups and tourist-driven retail, which can make it difficult for independent makers to find affordable, supportive spaces to grow,” Kelley observed. Fergusons counters this challenge by acting as both a protective buffer and a launchpad. “We intentionally offer small spaces, flexible infrastructure, and a built-in community of peers who share knowledge and collaborate.”
This support system enables synergistic projects. Kelley offered a clear example: “One of the clearest examples of collaboration at Fergusons Downtown is the way our tenants regularly partner with F the Bar to host workshops. Tenants like LV Plant Collective and Horus Hobbies use the bar’s space for hands-on classes, and guests enjoy a curated cocktail as part of the experience.”
Looking forward, Kelley emphasized the complex’s growing role as an incubator: “The heart of Fergusons Downtown has always been about nurturing emerging talent, and that role will only grow. As downtown continues to evolve, we see Fergusons Downtown becoming an even more vital cultural hub and a place where artists and makers can experiment, collaborate, and build sustainable careers.”
