Changes on the South Shore: Alta Mira building torn down to improve scenery

Earlier this year the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) purchased three properties in order to provide open space, improve water quality and remove blight.

The first of these properties, the Alta Mira Building, was demolished this week.

"We hope these acquisitions will be just the first wave of our renewed

efforts to partner with the City in helping to revitalize South Lake Tahoe," Tom Davis said in May when the Conservancy Board voted to purchase the building for $2.5 million. He sits on both the Conservancy Board and South Lake Tahoe City Council.

The 5,400-square-foot building had to be demolished as part of the sale. The previous owner also had to remove a buried fuel tank as well as any contaminated soil that might be found.

Stairs going down a bluff to the lake behind the building will also be removed until the property is transformed into an area that is visually more appealing and becomes part of Lakeview Commons which was funded by the Conservancy.

By demolishing the building the CTC gained development rights that may become available in the future when area plans come to fruition.

The California State Lands Commission contributed $500,000 towards the project. They now own part of the property and will lease it back to the conservancy for 49 years.

The six commercial tenants and two residential tenants received financial relocation expenses. Long time Optician Thomas Deputy and his Reflection Eyeware business have been operating part time in Carson City since receiving word of the building's demise. He will continue to run his business there.

The other two properties California Tahoe Conservancy bought are the South “Y” Lodge at 1120 Emerald Bay Road and a half-acre property at 2122 Lake Tahoe Boulevard that houses Tahoe Psychic and Heads Up Smoke Shop. The 0.84 acre property includes a manager residence and nine motel units.

Both areas will be cleared and restored to open space.

The property has more than 14,400 square feet of building and pavement coverage that will be razed and restored to open space.

The conservancy also is buying a half-acre property at 2122 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. It has 7,750 square feet of building and pavement coverage that will be razed and restored to open space. Tenants on the property include Tahoe Psychic and Heads Up Smoke Shop.