Almost a year after its closing, a timetable has finally been released for the razing of the north-Strip Riviera. Following a preliminary manual demolition of the lower-rise buildings (via bulldozers and a wrecking ball), the Monte Carlo and Monaco hotel towers will be knocked down in separate implosions.
The first will be in June, followed by a second in August, though the exact dates haven’t been announced. The two-part exit is necessary because of the sprawling nature of the resort. The cleared space will be used to host outdoor events until building begins on an extension of the Convention Center that will reach out to the Strip. The price tag for the demolition is being reported at $42 million.
Or not: In a funky twist, a petition has been filed by a local college student to block the demolition of the Riviera. Ostensibly precipitated by a desire to preserve the “historic” site, the petitioner would need to gather more than 50,000 signatures by July 1 in order to move to the next stage and at least delay the demolition.
Casino yes: Contrary to what was reported in this column last week, there will be a casino at Steve Wynn’s proposed new development at center Strip. The casino component in the Paradise Park project, slated to be built behind Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, was overshadowed by the buzz surrounding the 38-acre lagoon.
Poker room: Speaking of “Wynncore,” May 26 has been announced for the debut of the poker room that’s been relocated from the Wynn to Encore. The new room will feature three more tables, raising the total to 28, in a space that’s 3,000 square feet larger than its predecessor.
Question: Is there any information on what the new name will be for the Monte Carlo?
Answer: Nothing official, but MGM Resorts International top dog Jim Murren was quoted as saying that his company would no longer be creating themed resorts. “We’re not going to name it something from somewhere else,” Murren said. “Those days are over.”
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