The Clarion, located on Convention Center Drive just east of the Strip, has closed. Although it ended its run as an under-the-radar slots-only operation, the casino-hotel with 193 rooms had nearly a 45-year run as the Royal Inn, Royal Americana, Paddlewheel, Greek Isles and, most notably, Debbie Reynolds Hollywood. Word is the property is earmarked for an implosion and complete redevelopment; however, no formal plans have been announced. A liquidation sale is currently underway.
The Pantry: The Mirage has opened a new restaurant called The Pantry. Bucking the recent trend toward truncated operating hours, it’s open 24/7, something of a throwback to an old-style coffee shop.
Container ban: Following a downtown crackdown that requires anyone drinking alcohol in the Fremont Street Experience area to use a plastic or paper cup, the Las Vegas Strip has followed suit, instituting an ordinance banning open glass bottles. Alcohol and other beverages are allowed on the Strip but must be carried in plastic, paper or aluminum containers, the latter of which clears the way for cans. Violators can be charged with a misdemeanor that carries up to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail.
Motel remake: The Ferguson, one of downtown’s many shuttered motels, may soon be renovated to become a retail center that includes an outdoor amphitheater, office space and three taverns. Located at Fremont and 11th St., the Ferguson is owned by Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project, which also owns the Alicia, Travelers, Peter Pan and Downtowner motels, all in the same area.
Question: What’s going on in front of Bally’s? Are they finally doing something with all that Strip frontage?
Answer: Construction is in progress on an outdoor shopping mall called the Grand Bazaar Shops. The mall will have 110 stores and two dozen food outlets. The opening has been set for late December.
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