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The Last Motels Standing in Reno: Sutro Motel

This is part of a series of essays with photos on the last motels still standing in Reno. We previously had a series on the last motel residents of Reno. Motels, initially conceived for tourists, increasingly became a last housing option for many, due to bad credit, not enough money for deposits, or not wanting to deal with a multitude of bills and complications, or a first housing option for residents coming out of homelessness. Many motels are now being torn down, after being bought out and razed by slow to act developers, with many vacant lots now dotting the downtown landscape.

Sweltering heat and fried leaves aren't new to Reno. But I can't help but notice it's getting worse. 

I tried to take a quick walk to the motel. Take some photos, talk to people. But the heat was too much for me. I had to turn around. 

Equipped with water bottles and my camera I stepped out into the heat once more. I thought about taking pictures of people who managed to stand the heat. 

But no one was there. My only company solitary pigeons whizzing by in the non-refreshing breeze. Occasionally a head would pop out a door as I took photos in the nearly empty lots facing one another. No hellos. 

Weekly welcome, senior citizens, local motels’ bread and butter. The motels are disappearing though.

I can't help but wonder. Maybe the absence of people says as much as their presence does. 

Photos and Essay by Ariel Smith for Our Town Reno

Friday 07.15.22
Posted by Nicolas Colombant
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