Artist finds inspiration in Juhl downtown mid-rise development

As a former San Diego resident, Dawn Dillon was familiar with CityMark Development's urban residential projects. Impressed with the company's positive influence on the renaissance of downtown San Diego, she was immediately intrigued by its new mid-rise, mixed-use venture in downtown Las Vegas, Juhl.

"CityMark is known for their innovative loft buildings in San Diego's Little Italy and the Ball Park District. Over the past five years, these are now the hottest neighborhoods in downtown," Dillon said. "When I saw the design for Juhl, I loved the sophisticated modern architecture and the great location on Bonneville (Avenue). I knew right away it was where I wanted to be."

Dillon, an expressionist artist who works in oils and acrylics, purchased an 1,800-square-foot, two-story storefront loft that she plans to use as a studio and her home.

"My loft has a spacious open floor plan with one bedroom, one bath and a balcony," Dillon said. "My studio will be downstairs and my living and entertaining space will be upstairs. It's ideal."

She believes being near the cultural and creative centers of the city will make the development an exciting place to live.

"There's a lot happening here now, and I love the idea of living so close to the galleries, restaurants and art festivals. There's a whole new eclectic vibe to downtown Las Vegas, and ... I'm thrilled to be moving into a place that is dynamic, hip and upscale."

Dillon is also pleased with the property's amenities, which include a two-story fitness center, landscaped rooftop courtyard with a swimming pool and spa and gated parking garage.

More than 100 one- and two-story floor plans of lofts, condominiums, penthouses and live-work units are for sale in the 15-story project and range from 600 to 2,500 square feet. Prices start in the mid-$200,000s.

In addition, the property offers about 9,000 square feet of retail space for lease.

Residential interior amenities include optional walls within living spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed mechanical and concrete surfaces, energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and high-speed Internet access. Kitchens come with granite counters, maple cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and private balconies.

The development has begun its sales phase. To visit the information studio at 255 E. Bonneville Ave., take Interstate 15 to Charleston Boulevard and exit east. Turn left at Grand Central Parkway, then right on Bonneville. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Mondays, when it opens at noon.