The question was inevitable. The crowd inside Lady Silvia dispersed piecemeal, trickling from the First Friday Fundraiser, saying its goodbyes, toting winning auction items, walking home or waiting for the valet to bring the car.

For some there were more drinks to be had, and the question arose: “Can we walk to Artifice from here? It’s not that far, right?”

And there it was: interconnected nightlife via urban lounges in the Arts District. Artifice, on First Street, is roughly four blocks from Lady Silvia, the newest Arts District nightspot, opening July in SoHo Lofts (900 Las Vegas Blvd. S.). Across from the recently opened Artifice is Bar + Bistro. Foot traffic between the two is already common.

Now comes Lady Silvia, a fancy little watering hole inspired by the Prague Strahov Monastery library, creating another successful notch for those advocating Downtown redevelopment. Its interior will appeal to local hipsters, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases stocked with books (direct from Pahrump!), designer bowls, vases, throwback knickknacks and low-lit lamps. There are jade onyx countertops, a beamed ceiling with semi-abstract murals and graffiti-style text by Steven Spann. Black walls flaunt decorative sconces and ample molding (crown and panel). And when Silvia opens, lounge furniture will be placed on its white and black checkerboard floor, invoking an English-style library/cocktail bar ambiance.

“I like old world libraries,” owner Sam Cherry says. “I find the atmosphere fascinating, and it’s sort of dying.” Not dying? Downtown redevelopment and its taverns within walking distance.