Nevada Division of State Parks

Scope: Market Analysis, Preliminary Project Scoping

Services: Day Use Recreation, Overnight Accommodations

Issue: Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP) sought to understand the redevelopment opportunities for a recently purchased historic ranch.

Process/Outcome: NDSP engaged CHMGS and its project partner Kimley Horn to complete market, economic, and planning analyses to assess the redevelopment strategies for the recently-acquired Rafter 7 Ranch Unit of the Walker River Recreation Area, located in Lyon County, NV. The state acquired this historic cattle ranch as part of a new recreation area and NDSP desired to understand the adaptive recreation and hospitality reuses for the property. In addition, NDSP sought counsel on options for market positioning of this parcel with respect to two other NDSP parcels.

CHMGS’s market feasibility analysis included evaluating the supply of and demand for 10 possible recreation and hospitality uses. This work included both primary and secondary market research with the competitive supply, as well as local and regional stakeholders. The market supply and demand analysis identified the Rafter 7 Ranch Unit as having favorable market demand for overnight accommodations and day use activities, including water, trail, hunting, and equestrian uses. Additionally, the site provided opportunities for group meetings and gathering space, including special events. The findings of the work will inform the capital and operational strategies employed for this new NDSP unit.