LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – New paint, fixed windows, and fresh spackle indicate a long-troubled $50 million Henderson high-rise is moving in the right direction—regrettably, businesses are moving on.
Yvonne Wallace, co-founder of Pacific Diner, was one of the last original businesses with an intent to lease for The Watermark. Following apparent issues with the property representatives regarding multiple changes.
“Due to the building going through bankruptcy, they were not able to uphold our original lease,” Wallace said. “Therefore, after back and forth, we just were not able to meet in the middle and we have had to take our hat out of the ring for that.”
The situation is unfortunate, according to Wallace, who has been an outspoken supporter of the property during a troubled year of inactivity.
“It’s very sad, because we wanted to be on Water Street—I mean, who doesn’t,” Yvonne said. “But, you know, God’s got us.”
Henderson Councilman Jim Seebock told 8 News Now he was familiar with the update regarding Pacific Diner and was paying active attention to The Watermark’s status.
“My whole goal is I want to see the completion and the opening of The Watermark. We are interested in seeing new residents move in so later the commercial floor can open, and we are almost at the finish line,” Seebock said. “The City of Henderson is always interested in welcoming new business and supporting existing business.”
The Watermark is expected to accept applications for new tenants this summer following the completion of the apartments, according to an update from Gillette Construction. It is unclear when the commercial floor will be open or which contractor is working on that part of the property.
The Water Street Burrito
A few blocks down from The Watermark, Wallace said she still feels blessed to do business in their existing location. The point highlighted by a new business opening this week next door, Bajamar Seafood & Tacos.
“We just have amazing neighbors that just opened up a little bit ago,” she said. “Bajamar down just a couple doors from us.”
Wallace said Pacific Diner will remain an embodiment of her family and the origin story of her love—pointing to the framed lithograph rendering of the McDonalds where she met her husband.
“He said, ‘I want to open my own restaurant,’ and I said, ‘Let’s make it happen,’” Yvonne said. “I had the faith, the love, and the courage to say, that’s what we’re going to do. And together, we did it.”
Frames of family history, her children’s drawings, and artist donations tell the Wallace family story. However, some things are still a secret—like the famous Water Street Burrito’s recipe.
“I can’t give away all the ingredients,” she said. “Just know that everything is made in-house for that, and it’s got some amazing green salsa made with love.”
