LISTEN: El Cortez crosses 80-year mark by balancing preservation and renovation

LISTEN: El Cortez crosses 80-year mark by balancing preservation and renovation

Article brief provided by KNPR Radio
  • Mike Prevatt, KNPR Radio
November 24, 2021 1:35 AM
  • Mike Prevatt, KNPR Radio

Las Vegas may be all too eager to get rid of its oldest institutions, but the El Cortez is going nowhere.

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Having recently celebrated its 80th anniversary, the property holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating hotel-casino in the city.

It was the first one in Las Vegas to be owned by mobsters, if briefly, thanks to Bugsy Siegel.

And, as a World War II-era gaming icon surrounded by modern bars and restaurants, it has survived — even complimented — the complete overhaul of East Fremont, finding a new and younger clientele.