Fresh light poured into the corner of Fourth and Evans streets in downtown Reno today. The long awaited The Jesse Hotel and Bar opened this morning, bringing new to life to the former Lincoln Lounge dive bar.

The shape of the more than 100-year-old building is familiar – two big rooms, a bar, seating – but the low light, dark woods, Abraham Lincoln heads, red and gold motif, is completely gone. The Jesse replaced everything with broad windows, Mid-century Modern furniture, a white bar with all new drinks, coffee and eventually food.

And the previously closed off upstairs is now a boutique getaway.

The Jesse, named after Jesse Reno (our city’s namesake) also boasts a stylish indoor and patio lounge. Estella, the taco and mezcal concept at The Jesse opening in July 2019, will feature dishes from Chef Harrison Cooper, who worked to create a dynamic menu with locally sourced ingredients and Mexico City-inspired flavors.

Upstairs previously housed a few bedrooms and a great room with kitchen. Now the second and third floors hold six sleek, brightly lit hotel rooms with handcrafted furniture. The rooms include five king bedrooms and one room with two queen beds. Each room focuses on functionality, style and relaxation with windows that invite natural light all designed by Studio BBA.

Hotel guests will also have access to adorable Italian bicycles so they can ride around town to their various destinations, such as the Brewery District to the east or the Truckee River to the south.

Room reservations will be available by online booking starting June 26. Select rooms are also pet-friendly for those traveling with their furry companion.

Check out the last photos of Lincoln Lounge on RGJ.com

The Jesse is independently owned by Piper Stremmel, who said she has been dreaming of this idea for 10 years with her husband.

“I have always loved hosting and creating experiences,” Stremmel said. “After college, I spent a few years backpacking, and I stayed in a lot of hostels. I found that while traveling, the quality of my accommodation made the greatest impact on how I experienced a place. I’ve spent over a decade wanting to create my own lodging experience for others, which has guided my work experience and career until the opportunity presented itself to open my own hotel.”

The bar features signature cocktails by award-winning bartenders Ilona Smith and Nicole Barker (of Cin Cin, Atomic Bootlegger, Comm Row and other fame). The bar serves coffee and drinks starting at 7:30 a.m.

Estella, the taco and mezcal restaurant at The Jesse, plans to open in July and will feature a menu packed with flavors inspired by the tacos and dishes of Mexico City, as well as a hand-picked mezcal menu.

The Jesse Hotel & Bar will be open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and from 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends. Online reservations for the hotel rooms will open June 26 for dates starting July 1. For more information, visit thejessereno.com.