INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The white and green-trimmed clock greets an average of 50,000 visitors each year as they enter the front doors of Travel North Tahoe Nevada’s Welcome Center. The interior that greets guests on the other side of those doors will soon look different once the current remodel is complete.

“Knowing that the building is going to be seen by a lot of tourists,” remodel architect Dale E. Smith, at Smith Design Group, explained, “I wanted it to be an excellent representation of North Tahoe.”

Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) felt the best way to do that was to hire local companies that are not only familiar with North Tahoe, but can also keep dollars circulating in the local economy.

“Visitor-generation funds should directly benefit our community whenever possible,” said Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, “and what better way to do that than with companies who understand this region, employ local workers, and are working with local subcontractors to bring this vision to life.”

After moving to Incline Village on June 19, 1978, a date he can recall offhand, Smith’s work is now scattered across Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, and Northern Nevada as he approaches 50 years as an architect in the region.

Smith was selected for the project, along with locals Rob Laurie and John Albrecht, partners at Fortress Construction, who grew up in Incline Village and have operated their business here since 2003.

Smith, Laurie, and Albrecht all remember when the building was built in 1989.

“To now be part of a project that will enhance this community asset for generations to come is truly special,” Laurie said.

The remodel includes opening up the space, along with other design updates, and functionality improvements to enhance services offered to guests and residents as a community hub.

“I think when people walk in,” Smith said, “they’re going to smile.”

The renovated space is planned to reopen in May.

Until then, TNTNV’s Welcome Center and administrative offices have temporarily relocated to 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 150. The temporary Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Signage directs guests to the new location.