Historic Benham-Belz House Moved to New Site
After 150 years on West Street, the 1868 home moved to a new lot on July 10, 2025.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The historic Benham-Belz House reached its new location near Mayberry Drive and McCarran Boulevard on July 10, 2025, after being dismantled into two sections for transport. The structure was sold for $1 to private owners Logan and Angelina Needham on the condition that they preserve the property.
Why it matters
The relocation marks the end of a 150-year tenure on West Street, allowing for downtown redevelopment while saving a piece of Reno's 19th-century architecture. The preservation effort reflects a broader regional challenge of balancing growth with the retention of local heritage.
The home was purchased by Jacobs Entertainment for $1.2 million in 2024 before its sale for $1, marking a shift from its original 1868 lot purchase price of $200. The cost of bringing the house up to modern building codes remains an ongoing financial requirement for the owners.
The players
Logan and Angelina Needham
The private owners who purchased the house for $1 and are responsible for its ongoing preservation and code compliance.
Jacobs Entertainment
The developer that acquired the original downtown site for $1.2 million and facilitated the preservation of the home.
The details
To complete the move, the house was split into two pieces and transported via large trailers to its new home in the area near Mayberry Drive and McCarran Boulevard. As part of the preservation agreement, the Needhams are now tasked with bringing the century-old structure into compliance with modern standards, including the installation of grounded outlets and the removal of lead plumbing.
Timeline
4 June 1868: The property's original deed of sale was initiated.
1868: The Benham-Belz House was constructed.
Spring 2024: The house was sold to Logan and Angelina Needham.
10 July 2025: The house was relocated to its new site.
The Truckee Meadows View
The relocation follows a pattern seen in recent downtown Reno redevelopment, where older structures are moved to new sites rather than being demolished for modern projects. It serves as a reminder of how the Biggest Little City navigates the tension between historical preservation and growth.
Residents near the new site at Mayberry Drive and McCarran Boulevard may notice structural work as the owners bring the home up to safety codes. Any future exterior modifications to the historic property will likely follow city permitting processes for renovated residences.
The takeaway
Preserving the Benham-Belz House ensures that a structure from 1868 remains part of the local landscape after its transition to a residential neighborhood. Neighbors can watch for the completion of the required electrical and plumbing upgrades as the owners finalize the renovation process.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in our Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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