Professional Home Remodeling in Empire, NV

A Historic Company Town With Uncertain Future

Empire represents one of Nevada’s most unusual communities. Founded in 1923 as a company town for the Pacific Portland Cement Company’s gypsum mining operation, Empire operated for 88 years as one of the longest continually running mines in the United States. At its peak in the early 1960s, approximately 750 people called Empire home, supported entirely by the mine. When U.S. Gypsum closed operations in January 2011 during the Great Recession, the town essentially emptied overnight, transforming into a near-ghost town. Empire Mining Company purchased the property in 2016 and partially reopened operations, bringing the population to approximately 65 as of 2021. However, by 2025, the mine and town were again listed for sale, creating continued uncertainty. This boom-and-bust history profoundly affects remodeling decisions—property values remain uncertain, and any work must account for potential long-term viability questions.

Limited Housing Stock and Company Town Character

Empire consists primarily of company-owned housing built by U.S. Gypsum during the town’s operational years. The total area encompasses only 5.1 square miles at an elevation of 4,040 feet. Housing types include single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment units, all originally constructed to serve mine workers and their families. The 2016 reopening brought some residents back, but the housing stock remains largely controlled by mining company ownership rather than private homeownership. This creates a unique situation—most remodeling work would require coordination with property ownership structures tied to mining operations. For the handful of privately owned properties that exist, any remodeling investment must carefully consider the town’s uncertain economic future and extremely limited real estate market.

Extreme Remoteness and Access Challenges

Empire sits approximately 6 miles south of Gerlach along State Route 447, roughly 103 miles north of Reno-Sparks via a remote desert highway. The nearest town, Nixon, is 60 miles south on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. The area is one of the most isolated in Nevada—the Empire Country Market convenience store and gas station remains the only commercial establishment for more than 50 miles. This extreme remoteness creates significant remodeling challenges. Contractors must travel from Reno or Fernley, adding substantial time and travel costs. Material delivery requires advance planning and coordination. Specialty trades or materials unavailable in the immediate area mean additional trips or expedited shipping. Weather can close roads during winter, affecting project timelines. These logistics fundamentally shape remodeling costs and feasibility.

Washoe County Permitting From a Distance

Empire falls within unincorporated Washoe County jurisdiction for building permits. However, the community’s extreme distance from Reno creates practical challenges for permit coordination and inspections. The Washoe County Building Department would handle permitting, but scheduling inspections requires significant travel for county personnel or extended timelines. Simple projects might qualify for expedited permits, but any significant work requires standard review processes. Given the limited residential population and uncertain property ownership structures, permit history for residential remodeling in Empire is likely minimal. Contractors undertaking work here need patience for extended timelines and clear communication with county offices regarding inspection scheduling.

Desert Climate and Isolation

At approximately 4,040 feet elevation near the Black Rock Desert, Empire experiences extreme high desert climate. Summers bring intense heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters see freezing conditions with occasional snow. Annual precipitation averages less than 7 inches, creating extremely dry conditions year-round. Dust storms from the nearby playa are common. These harsh conditions affect building materials significantly—UV degradation, temperature extremes, and abrasive dust impact everything from roofing to paint to mechanical systems. The isolation also means no immediate access to repair services or replacement parts—systems need to be robust and maintainable with limited support infrastructure. Any remodeling must prioritize durability and reliability over aesthetic considerations.

The Burning Man Economy and Seasonal Activity

Since 1990, the annual Burning Man festival in the nearby Black Rock Desert has become a significant economic driver for Empire. The event brings over 70,000 participants annually, with Empire serving as the last supply stop before entering the playa. The Empire Country Market and gas station see approximately 20% of their annual business during this week-long event. This seasonal surge creates both opportunity and challenge—the community experiences massive temporary population influx once yearly, but remains extremely quiet the rest of the time. For remodeling purposes, this means contractor availability might be best outside the late August event window, though the economic uncertainty around any festival-dependent business model complicates long-term investment decisions.