Benham-Belz House Moved to New Reno Site
The historic 1868 structure was transported to a new location in July 2025 to ensure its preservation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation
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On 10 July 2025, the historic Benham-Belz House was successfully relocated to a new site near Mayberry Drive and McCarran Boulevard in Reno. The house, which stood at 347 West Street for 150 years, was moved to protect the landmark while downtown Reno undergoes redevelopment.
Why it matters
The relocation reflects a balance between modern downtown urban growth and the desire to preserve local historical landmarks. By selling the home for a symbolic price, developers were able to ensure the long-term survival of the 19th-century structure.
The house was sold to private owners for $1 on the condition that they preserve the property. Originally constructed in 1868, the structure was built on a lot that sold for $200 at the time of the initial deed.
The players
Logan and Angelina Needham
They are the private owners who acquired the Benham-Belz House for preservation.
Jacobs Entertainment
This is the development firm that purchased the property in 2024 to facilitate downtown Reno redevelopment.
The details
To facilitate the move, crews dismantled the historic home into two separate sections before transporting them on large trailers. The new owners are now required to update the home to modern building codes, including installing grounded electrical outlets and replacing legacy lead piping.
Timeline
The original deed of sale for the land was initiated on 4 June 1868.
The Benham-Belz House was constructed in 1868.
The house was sold to a private party in the spring of 2024.
The relocation of the house to its new site took place on 10 July 2025.
Roadmap
This project highlights the growing trend of adaptive reuse where historic structures are moved rather than demolished to clear space for new downtown high-density developments. It showcases a strategy used by urban developers to mitigate community pushback while maximizing land utility.
Residents near Mayberry Drive and McCarran Boulevard may notice new renovation activity as the home is brought up to modern building codes. For the wider community, the move demonstrates that even century-old properties can be saved if owners commit to expensive structural upgrades.
The takeaway
Preserving historic architecture often requires moving structures to accommodate contemporary urban growth. Homeowners interested in similar projects must be prepared to invest significantly in upgrading legacy systems like plumbing and electrical to meet current safety standards.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in the Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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