"A year of big changes to Henderson’s Water Street includes the highly anticipated arrival of an upscale bar that pays tribute to local sporting heroes. Revealed back in April of last year, Hardway 8 is now well underway to be up and running by this spring, featuring an interior overseen by downtown Las Vegas’s RADstudio. Filling a substantial 5,500 square feet, the designers have shared the “shelves will display various trophies, and bar top will be made from reclaimed hardwood from UNLV Rebels basketball court.” Inspired by the 1976-’77 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team, the first Rebel team to make the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four, the concept replaces the long vacant JJ’s Bar, a short distance from the big changes upgrading the Gold Mine Tavern and the huge plans for the neighboring strip that extends to the Henderson Town House Motor Lodge across the street. Described by the logo designer as a sports bar that “could feel classy without looking like your typical classy sportsbar,” Hardway 8 has already added a floor-to-ceiling glass windowed garage door. Fronted by local developer Addison Thom, last year’s initial plans called for upgrades to the existing kitchen and installing bar-top gaming." - Bradley Martin
