Brian Eagan and Brian Knudsen - known to friends as Brian² - have called downtown Las Vegas home for the past two years and are enthusiastic supporters of the urban renaissance now in full swing.

Downtown is important to both Brians in their professional spheres: Brian Knudsen's work for the city of Las Vegas in the Office of the City Manager gives him a vested interest in the success of the area's revitalization, while Brian Eagen's work as an attorney for Solomon Dwiggins Freer & Morse makes downtown's legal district a regular and important destination.

However, their passion for the area is not limited to their workplaces.

Eagen said, "I spent the majority of my childhood in Las Vegas and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School. As I prepared to move back to the Las Vegas Valley after attending law school on the east coast, living in the downtown neighborhood was a requirement. Today, promoting this area and investing in this community are priorities for both of us."

In fact, the Brians are veritable cheerleaders for downtown and enjoy giving tours to visiting friends and relatives, highlighting favorite spots and new developments.

A tour with Brian and Brian usually begins with the Frank Gehry-designed Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Brain Center for Brain Health and continues to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the new Discovery Children's Museum, both under construction in Symphony Park. After a glimpse at the new City Hall Complex, slated to open next year, the Brians like to give out-of-towners a fun taste of downtown's urban vibe.

"We start in the 18b Arts District - usually with a stop at Artifice Urban Lounge - and always end up at Downtown Cocktail Room, Don't Tell Mama or Insert Coin(s) in the Fremont East District," said Knudsen. 

Apart from the attractions and nightlife scene, one of their favorite perks of living in the area is the spectacular view of the New Year's Eve fireworks display from their own backyard. While they can also see the Helldorado Days fireworks from the comfort of their home, they usually walk to Fremont Street to join the energy and excitement at the annual community festival.

The location of their mid-century modern home in the McNeil neighborhood provides easy access to the freeway for escapes to Red Rock for hiking or visits to the Strip. However, for the most  part, they stay downtown and regularly visit the art galleries, vintage stores and favorite eating establishments, including Triple George, Hennessey's Tavern and Macitas. 

The Brians also enjoy walks in the McNeil neighborhood with their two dogs, Brady and Oliver. 

Photo: Brian Knudsen (left) and Brian Eagan (right), with Brady