Look at this beauty! Built in 1939 by Ernest, Randall and Johnny Wunegnema, it was originally a residence. However, it has been a commercial building for as long as we can remember. It is now home to Red Rock Dental. Imagine this house when it was first constructed – think how the people of Carson City must have oohed and aahed over it.
This building is within the borders of Carson City’s West Side Historic District (District) which means the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The District has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2011-2012.
Being listed on the National Register provides a number of benefits for the District, including the potential to increase the value of the properties in the District, access to preservation grants and tax credits, community recognition of the historical significance of the properties within the District, and the opportunity to contribute to heritage tourism by preserving pieces of local history; essentially, it signifies the cultural value of the properties within the District and may encourage responsible restoration efforts while potentially boosting marketability
While the National Register of Historic Places generally aims to protect historic properties, there could be potential detriment as being on the National Register of Historic Places sometimes creates limitations on property modifications, particularly when federal funding or permits are involved, potentially impacting renovation plans and causing extra steps for the property owners within the District to navigate when making changes to their property, even if they ultimately intend to preserve its historic features.
What we’re trying to say is that the Red Rock Dental Building – one of the Wungnemas’ masterpieces – is safe from exterior modifications or demolitions. It will be a vital part of Carson CIty for years to come, providing a home for businesses while its beauty will be on display for all to enjoy. Look at the arched entryway – few stonemasons have mastered the art of curved stonework.
Randall Wungnema was one of those talented stonemasons who could make stones bend in any direction and look good. Look at the fireplace in the reception area. The stonework in the surround, including the key stone placement, is that of Ernest Wungnema as is the placement of the vent work. He always included a metal vent cover in the fireplaces he created. We hope, that on a cold snowy day, the staff of Red Rock Dental enjoys a warm, cozy fire in the fireplace.
There are other pink stone creations in the Historic District – the house on Caroline Street, the planter on Elizabeth Street and the wall that runs between houses on the corner of Robinson and Elizabeth Streets. If you’d like to see these historic stone buildings, plus other historic buildings, walk the Kit Carson Trail (https://travelnevada.com/hiking/kit-carson-trail/)