Chip Bowlby, a prominent real estate developer in Reno, Nevada, died unexpectedly on March 30, 2023, at the age of 58. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Tara Miles, who said he got sick on Tuesday afternoon and passed away early Wednesday morning. The exact cause of his death is still unknown and pending an autopsy.
Bowlby was the owner and managing partner of Reno Land Development Co., a company that was behind several transformational projects in the Reno-Sparks area. He was also involved in developing resorts in Nevada, California and Idaho.
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A Visionary Developer Who Transformed Reno
Bowlby was widely regarded as a visionary developer who helped reshape the Reno real estate landscape with his ambitious and innovative projects. Some of his most notable projects include:
- Rancharrah: Bowlby acquired the 141-acre Rancharrah estate, which belonged to the late casino magnate Bill Harrah and his family, in 2014. He transformed the property into a mixed-use development that features luxury homes, a clubhouse, a village center, an equestrian center and a park.
- Park Lane: Bowlby purchased the 46-acre Park Lane site, which was once home to a shopping mall that closed in 2007, in 2016. He redeveloped the site into a modern urban community that offers apartments, townhomes, retail, dining, entertainment and office space.
- The Village at Rancharrah: Bowlby partnered with Tolles Development Co. to create The Village at Rancharrah, a 20-acre retail and office complex that is part of the Rancharrah master plan. The Village at Rancharrah features a variety of local and national tenants, such as Dolce Vita Wellness Spa, Dorinda’s Chocolates, Perenn Bakery and Starbucks.
- Grand Sierra Resort Arena: Bowlby teamed up with Grand Sierra Resort and Casino to build a new arena for Nevada Wolf Pack basketball. The arena will have a capacity of 10,000 seats and will be located next to the resort. The arena is expected to be completed by 2025.
Bowlby’s projects were praised by local officials and community leaders for enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of Reno. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve described Bowlby as part of “the new generation of Reno’s vision” and said his love for Reno will live on through his projects. Reno Councilmember Naomi Duerr said Bowlby was a visionary who was not afraid to tackle big and complicated projects.
A Loving Father and Grandfather Who Enjoyed Life
Bowlby was not only a successful developer but also a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed life. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Tara Miles, Tyler Bowlby and Taylor Bowlby; his grandchildren, Kinsley Miles and Kade Miles; his siblings, Scott Bowlby and Kelly Bowlby; and his mother, Barbara Bowlby.
According to his daughter, Tara Miles, Bowlby loved spending time with his family and friends. He also loved traveling, golfing, skiing and boating. He was passionate about his work and always had new ideas for projects.
“He was always looking for the next big thing,” Miles said. “He had so many plans for the future.”
Miles said her father was still working on Monday afternoon before he got sick on Tuesday. She said he was excited about his upcoming projects and had a positive outlook on life.
“He was always happy,” Miles said. “He always had a smile on his face.”
Miles said her father’s legacy will live on through his projects and his family.
“He left a mark on this world,” Miles said. “He made Reno a better place.”
