After sitting empty and unused for months, the long-closed Las Vegas Strip hotel, formerly known as the Riviera, is finally getting a new lease on life. The iconic hotel, which closed its doors in 2015 after 60 years of operation, has been sold to a group of investors who plan to redevelop the property into a mixed-use entertainment complex.
The new owners, a consortium of real estate developers and entertainment industry veterans, have grand plans for the property, which sits on prime real estate on the bustling Las Vegas Strip. The group has announced that they will be demolishing the existing hotel tower and building a brand new, state-of-the-art hotel and casino that will cater to a more upscale clientele.
In addition to the new hotel tower, the development will also feature a wide range of amenities, including a luxury spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and entertainment venue, and a high-end retail shopping center. The developers have also hinted at the possibility of incorporating a live entertainment component into the complex, which could include everything from concerts and comedy shows to theatrical performances and magic acts.
While the new hotel and entertainment complex is sure to be a hit with visitors to Las Vegas, not everyone is thrilled with the changes coming to the property. The existing casino, which was once a bustling hub of activity, has been left out of the redevelopment plans, leading many to speculate that it may be closed for good.
Local residents and longtime patrons of the casino have expressed dismay at the potential loss of the beloved gaming establishment, which has been a fixture on the Strip for decades. Some have even started online campaigns and petition drives to try and save the casino from being shuttered permanently.
Despite the mixed feelings surrounding the fate of the old casino, the developers are moving full steam ahead with their plans for the new hotel and entertainment complex. Construction is set to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening date in late 2023.
As the Las Vegas Strip continues to evolve and change, the redevelopment of the former Riviera hotel is just the latest chapter in the storied history of one of the world’s most famous entertainment districts. And while the future of the old casino remains uncertain, one thing is for sure – the Strip will never stop reinventing itself.
