Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Jump to content

New Frontier Hotel and Casino

Coordinates: 36°7′46″N 115°10′6″W / 36.12944°N 115.16833°W / 36.12944; -115.16833
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Hotel Last Frontier)
New Frontier Hotel and Casino
The New Frontier in 2004
New Frontier Hotel and Casino is located in Las Vegas Strip
New Frontier Hotel and Casino
New Frontier Hotel and Casino is located in Nevada
New Frontier Hotel and Casino
Location Paradise, Nevada
Address 3120 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Opening dateOctober 30, 1942; 82 years ago (1942-10-30) (Hotel Last Frontier)
April 4, 1955; 69 years ago (1955-04-04) (New Frontier)
July 29, 1967; 57 years ago (1967-07-29) (The Frontier)
Closing dateJuly 16, 2007; 17 years ago (July 16, 2007)
ThemeWestern
No. of rooms105 (as of 1942)
650 (as of 1967)
984 (as of 2007)
Total gaming space41,325 sq ft (3,839.2 m2) (as of 1998)
Signature attractionsGilley's Saloon
Casino typeLand-based
OwnerR.E. Griffith (original owner)
William J. Moore (1943–51)
Various groups (1951–67)
Hughes Tool Company (1967–73)
Summa Corporation (1973–88)
Elardi family (1988–98)
Phil Ruffin (1998–2007)
El Ad Properties (2007)
ArchitectWilliam J. Moore (1942)
Rissman & Rissman (1966)
Previous namesHotel Last Frontier (1942–65)
New Frontier (1955–65)
The Frontier (1967–98)
Renovated in1948, 1954–55, 1978, 1989–90, 1998
Coordinates36°7′46″N 115°10′6″W / 36.12944°N 115.16833°W / 36.12944; -115.16833

The New Frontier (formerly Hotel Last Frontier and The Frontier) was a hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The property began as a casino and dance club known as Pair O' Dice, opened in 1931. It was sold in 1941, and incorporated into the Hotel Last Frontier, which began construction at the end of the year. The Hotel Last Frontier opened on October 30, 1942, as the second resort on the Las Vegas Strip. The western-themed property included 105 rooms, as well as the Little Church of the West. The resort was devised by R.E. Griffith and designed by his nephew, William J. Moore. Following Griffith's death in 1943, Moore took over ownership and added a western village in 1948. The village consisted of authentic Old West buildings from a collector and would also feature the newly built Silver Slipper casino, added in 1950.

Resort ownership changed several times between different groups, beginning in 1951. A modernized expansion opened on April 4, 1955, as the New Frontier. It operated concurrently with the Last Frontier. Both were closed in 1965 and demolished a year later to make way for a new resort, which opened as the Frontier on July 29, 1967. Future casino mogul Steve Wynn was among investors in the ownership group, marking his entry into the Las Vegas gaming industry. The ownership group also included several individuals who had difficulty gaining approval from Nevada gaming regulators.

Businessman Howard Hughes bought out the group at the end of 1967. Like his other casino properties, he owned the Frontier through Hughes Tool Company, and later through Summa Corporation. In 1988, Summa sold the Frontier to Margaret Elardi, and her two sons became co-owners a year later. A 16-story hotel tower was added in 1990. The Elardi family declined to renew a contract with the Culinary Workers Union, and 550 workers went on strike on September 21, 1991. It became one of the longest strikes in U.S. history. Businessman Phil Ruffin eventually purchased the Frontier for $167 million. The sale was finalized on February 1, 1998, when Ruffin renamed the property back to the New Frontier. The strike ended on the same day, as Ruffin agreed to a union contract. Ruffin launched a $20 million renovation to update the aging property. His changes included the addition of a new restaurant, Gilley's Saloon.

Over the next decade, Ruffin considered several redevelopment projects for the site, but lack of financing hindered these plans. In May 2007, he agreed to sell the New Frontier to El Ad Properties for more than $1.2 billion. The resort closed on July 16, 2007, and demolition began later that year. The 16-story tower was imploded on November 13, 2007. It was the last of the Hughes-era casinos to be demolished. The 984-room property had been popular as a low-budget alternative to the larger resorts on the Strip. El Ad owned the Plaza Hotel in New York City and planned to replace the New Frontier with a Plaza-branded resort, but the project was canceled due to the Great Recession. Crown Resorts also scrapped plans to build the Alon Las Vegas resort. The site was purchased by Wynn Resorts in 2018, although plans to build the Wynn West resort were also shelved, and the land remains vacant.

The property hosted numerous entertainers throughout its operation, including Wayne Newton and Robert Goulet. It hosted the Las Vegas debuts of Liberace in 1944, and Elvis Presley in 1956, and also hosted the final performance of Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1970.

History

[edit]

A portion of the property began as a casino and dance club known as Pair O' Dice. It opened on July 4, 1931,[1] and was remodeled and enlarged during its first year.[2][3] It was originally owned by casino dealer Frank Detra.[4] Businessman Guy McAfee took over club operations in 1939. He remodeled the property and renamed it the 91 Club, after its location on Highway 91, which would later become the Las Vegas Strip.[5] He purchased the club later in 1939, for $10,000.[6][7]

Hotel Last Frontier (1942–65)

[edit]

McAfee sold the 91 Club in late 1941, to a group based in Arizona.[8] R.E. “Griff” Griffith,[9] the brother of film director D.W. Griffith, and owner of a movie theater chain in the southwestern U.S., paid $1,000 per acre for the 35-acre site.[10][11] In addition to theaters, Griffith also owned the El Rancho Hotel & Motel in Gallup, New Mexico, and planned to expand it into a hotel chain.[12] Griffith had originally planned to build his next hotel in Deming, New Mexico, before traveling to Las Vegas and realizing that it presented better opportunities.[12][11][13] He intended to construct a western-themed hotel-casino resort on the newly purchased land.[10][11] However, his initial name for the project was already in use by the El Rancho Vegas, which opened in 1941 as the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Instead, Griffith named his property the Hotel Last Frontier, while maintaining the western theme.[12]

Early postcard for the Hotel Last Frontier

Griffith hired architect William J. Moore, his nephew, to design the project, with emphasis on an authentic recreation of the Old West.[10][11] Construction began on December 8, 1941,[14] taking place around the 91 Club, which was incorporated into the new project as the Leo Carrillo Bar. It was named after Griffith's friend, entertainer Leo Carrillo.[12] Building materials were difficult to acquire, due to a supply shortage caused by World War II. Moore purchased one or two abandoned mines in Pioche, Nevada, and sent crews to strip the sites of any usable materials.[10][11] Moore also purchased two ranches in Moapa, Nevada, to supply meat and dairy for the resort.[12]

The Hotel Last Frontier opened on October 30, 1942.[15][16][17] It was the second hotel-casino resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip.[18] The motel was mostly two stories, with some rooms on a third floor. It included 105 rooms at its opening, and an additional 100 would be added later.[12] To maintain cool temperatures, cold water was carried through pipes in the walls of each room, originating from tunnels beneath the property.[11][12]

Because Griffith and Moore were inexperienced in the gaming industry, they had the casino built at the rear of the property, not realizing that it should have been presented as the main attraction.[11] The property included the Gay Nineties Bar, which had sat in the Arizona Club in Las Vegas, before being reassembled at the Last Frontier.[10][11][19] The Frontier added the Little Church of the West in May 1943.[20] The resort also included the El Corral Arena, used for rodeo events.[21][22]

Texaco gas station at the Hotel Last Frontier, late 1940s

Griffith died of a heart attack in November 1943, and Moore took over the property.[23][24] Moore conceived an idea to add the western-themed Last Frontier Village.[12] It opened in November 1948, initially with three buildings while others would be added later.[25] The village ultimately included restaurants, bars, and shops. The Little Church of the West was also incorporated into the village.[10][12][26] Located at the property's northern end,[10] the village included authentic Old West buildings saved by Doby Doc, a collector in Elko, Nevada.[12][27] He served as curator of the attraction.[28] The village also featured some newly built replicas created by the resort, including a Texaco gas station designed by Zick & Sharp. It offered free showers and restrooms to attract motorists to the resort.[12] The Silver Slipper casino was added to the village in 1950.[12]

The Last Frontier was sold in 1951, to a group led by McAfee.[29] The new ownership included Jake Kozloff and Beldon Katleman, the latter of whom also owned the El Rancho Vegas.[30][31] By 1954, Kozloff was the primary stockholder,[32] and the ownership group now included Murray Randolph.[33]

New Frontier (1955–65)

[edit]

In June 1954, construction began on a $2 million expansion known as the New Frontier. The project included more rooms, new restaurants, and additional casino space. The Little Church of the West was relocated elsewhere on the property to make room for the new facilities.[34] Later that year, Katleman sued several resort executives, including Kozloff, his brother William Kozloff, and Randolph. Katleman alleged that the trio had undisclosed partners invested in the resort, going against state law. He also alleged that the men began expansion of the resort without first obtaining a loan to cover the costs.[35][36] The Nevada Tax Commission launched an investigation into the resort's hidden ownership.[37][38]

An opening celebration for the New Frontier was held on April 4, 1955.[39][40][13] It served as a modernized expansion of the Hotel Last Frontier,[41] which continued to operate under its original name.[42][43] Singer Mario Lanza was scheduled to perform for the opening, but canceled at the last minute due to laryngitis, forcing the property to refund $20,000 in tickets.[44][45][46]

Jake Kozloff resigned as president and general manager a few weeks after the opening. He and Randolph sold their interest to a new investor group,[47][48][49] which finalized their purchase in May 1955, after paying more than $1 million to creditors. Katleman had sought to prevent the sale,[50][51] as the resort was heavily mortgaged under the new group's financial setup.[52] Katleman had also gotten into a fist fight with Maury Friedman, a member of the group who was denied ownership by the tax commission.[53] Friedman was approved for an ownership stake later in 1955, along with seven other new partners in the group.[54] Katleman's 1954 suit against Kozloff and Randolph was settled a few months later.[55]

An expansion project was announced later in 1955.[56][57] The adjacent Royal Nevada hotel-casino, located north of the Frontier, was taken over by the latter's ownership group in 1956. The Royal Nevada then briefly served as an annex to the New Frontier.[58][59][60][61] Later that year, a new group took over operations and invested $301,000 into the New Frontier, which was struggling financially. The group included Vera Krupp, the estranged wife of Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach.[61][62] Krupp oversaw operations with Louis Manchon, a swimming pool contractor.[63][64] The previous group, including Friedman, returned to take over operations in early March 1957, after Krupp declined to invest any further in the struggling resort.[65] Krupp alleged that stockholders had misled her on the monetary potential of the New Frontier.[66][67] The property owed approximately $100,000 to creditors, not including back taxes sought by the U.S. government.[64] Federal agents seized more than $1 million in assets from the property,[68] which closed its facilities on March 18, 1957, with the exception of the hotel.[69][70][71] The New Frontier later went into bankruptcy.[72] Restaurant and bar operations eventually resumed.[73]

In mid-1958, a new operating group – led by Los Angeles shirt manufacturer Jack Barenfield – proposed a $400,000 investment to reopen the casino and operate it on a limited basis. The Nevada Gaming Control Board was skeptical that the group would have enough funds to keep the casino operational for long.[73]

Warren Bayley, one of the primary owners of the Hacienda resort, reached a deal to take over the New Frontier from Katleman and Friedman. The $6.5 million deal was finalized on October 1, 1958.[74][75] The property was leased to Bayley,[76] who agreed to pay off its debts.[77] Actor Preston Foster served as vice president for Frontier Properties, Inc.[78] The casino area reopened in April 1959.[79] Two years later, Idaho banker and construction company owner Frank Wester sought to take over the property.[80] Wester was approved by state gaming regulators, but failed to follow through on the deal.[81]

The Frontier (1967–98)

[edit]

Bayley became the primary owner of the New Frontier Hotel in November 1964.[82] He died a month later, and the casino was closed on New Year's Eve, in preparation for an expansion. The hotel and other facilities closed a few days later,[83][84] and the property never reopened. Bankers Life purchased Frontier Properties Inc. in August 1965, and leased it to a new company, Vegas Frontier Inc., overseen by Friedman. Six months later, Friedman announced plans to demolish the existing facilities entirely for a larger Frontier resort to be built on the site.[41][85] The demolition process reached its final stage in May 1966.[86][87] The western village was included in the demolition,[88] although the Little Church of the West and the Silver Slipper casino were kept.[89][90]

Groundbreaking for a new Frontier hotel-casino took place on September 26, 1966, with Friedman set to oversee casino operations.[91][92] The new project had more than a dozen investors,[93] including future casino mogul Steve Wynn, who purchased a three-percent stake. The Frontier marked Wynn's entry into the Las Vegas gaming industry.[94][95] It was later discovered that the Frontier project was financed with Detroit mob money, from a group led by Anthony Joseph Zerilli.[94][96][97][98]

Frontier sign, 1989

The $25 million Frontier opened on July 29, 1967, with a four-day celebration. It included 650 hotel rooms,[99][100][101] entertainment venues, several restaurants, and convention space.[43] The project was designed by Rissman & Rissman.[102] The Frontier's roadside sign had a height of 184 feet, making it the tallest in Las Vegas. The sign, along with the Frontier's new "F" logo, was designed by Bill Clark of Ad Art. The sign featured 16-foot-tall letters, with the giant "F" logo resting at the top.[103][104]

Several individuals in the new property, including Friedman, had difficulty gaining approval of state gaming regulators.[41][105] Businessman Howard Hughes bought out the group in December 1967, paying $23 million for the Frontier. Like his other casino properties, it was originally operated through Hughes Tool Company,[106][107][108] until Hughes' Summa Corporation took over in 1973.[109] Hughes died three years later.[110] A $5 million renovation concluded in 1978.[111] Later that year, the Little Church of the West was relocated to the Hacienda resort, making room for the Fashion Show Mall to be built just south of the Frontier.[89]

In December 1987, Summa agreed to sell the Frontier and Silver Slipper – the last of Hughes' Las Vegas gaming properties – to casino owner Margaret Elardi.[112][113][114] She took over ownership of the Frontier on June 30, 1988, and acquired the Silver Slipper later that year,[115][116] demolishing the latter to add a Frontier parking lot.[90][117] In December 1989, Elardi's two sons, John and Tom, became part-owners with her in the Frontier.[118] The 16-story Atrium Tower,[119] consisting of 400 suites, was opened a month later.[120]

Under the Elardis' ownership, the Frontier focused primarily on a low-budget clientele of slot players. It offered few amenities, at a time when new megaresorts were becoming popular on the Las Vegas Strip.[121]

Strike

[edit]

The Frontier had a labor agreement with the Culinary Workers Union that expired on July 1, 1989. Upon its expiration, general manager Tom Elardi said that the union presented the Frontier with two contract renewal choices, with no option to negotiate; he said the family would not have purchased the Frontier if they had known this would happen.[122] Citing a reduction in salaries and worker benefits,[121][123][124] 550 workers went on strike on September 21, 1991.[125][126][127] Politicians such as Jesse Jackson expressed support for the strikers,[128][129] who represented four unions, including Culinary.[130]

The strike ran continuously on the sidewalk in front of the resort, and striking workers were occasionally violent towards patrons who crossed the picket line.[122][131] In April 1993, California tourist Sean White and his family were verbally and physically assaulted by the strikers. Seven union workers were charged in the incident, and the union itself settled with the Whites after they filed a lawsuit. Sean White also sued the Frontier, seeking damages for his injuries and alleging inadequate security at the resort. He claimed that the property was aware of the strikers being particularly agitated on the night of the incident, yet did nothing to resolve the situation.[132][133][134] The Frontier countered that the Whites provoked the strikers.[135] Furthermore, Tom Elardi said that guests were always warned about possible verbal abuse from the strikers when making hotel reservations. He also said that, according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), it would be illegal to label the strikers as "violent".[134] In addition, Elardi said that Frontier security did not have the authority to help guests on public property, where the incident took place.[134][135] A jury eventually ruled in the Frontier's favor, finding it not liable for events that take place on public property.[136][137]

In late 1991, the Frontier ran controversial ads in the Los Angeles Times implying that the entire Strip was being targeted by the strike. The property eventually stopped running the ads after protests from other resorts.[121][138] Business at the Frontier saw a 40-percent decrease during the first year of the strike.[121] In 1993, Nevada governor Bob Miller appointed a fact finder to help resolve the strike, although these efforts failed after 28 meetings.[139] Miller later called the Frontier an embarrassment to the state for its refusal to end the strike.[126] Margaret Elardi wanted to settle with the union and end the strike, but her sons opposed the idea.[140]

Numerous complaints against the Frontier were filed with the NLRB.[121] In 1995,[122][141] a federal court ruled that the resort had to pay back work-related benefits that it had cut off to striking workers.[125][142] The NLRB later ruled in favor of the union, agreeing with the 1995 ruling and calling the dispute an unfair labor practice strike.[143] Negotiations between the Culinary union and the Elardis took place in July 1996,[144][145] but ended without a resolution, in part because Tom Elardi refused a Culinary mandate to rehire all of the striking workers: "I believe the ones who've been violent or who participated in major picket line misconduct shouldn't come back. The union says that's the only way they will settle, but I absolutely refuse to take them back".[122]

Arthur Goldberg, chairman of Bally Entertainment, announced in July 1996 that there was interest in purchasing the Frontier and ending the strike. At the time, Hilton Hotels Corporation was in the process of acquiring Bally. Goldberg was willing to purchase the Frontier himself if Hilton should pass on it. His plan would potentially include demolishing all or part of the Frontier to make way for a 3,000-room resort.[144][145] Wynn and casino rival Donald Trump were also rumored to have an interest in buying the Frontier.[145] Trump passed on the property, as he found Elardi's $208 million asking price too high. Hilton and Goldberg also did not proceed with a purchase, and the strike continued.[146]

Allegations
[edit]

In late 1996, a former Frontier worker alleged that the Elardis ran a technologically advanced spy operation to monitor the strike. It was also used to monitor Frontier security guards, as well as officers of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department whenever they came to view video footage of the strike. The operation allegedly included security cameras and listening devices, operated from a second-floor headquarters known as the 900 Room that was overseen by 15 people. The worker also said that the resort routinely sabotaged the strike, for instance by turning on nearby sprinklers or placing manure bags near a catering truck. Tom Elardi called the worker disgruntled. He said the 900 Room functioned only to monitor and maintain the exterior during the strike, denying that any sabotage had taken place.[147][148]

Other former workers came forward to confirm the spying allegation, stating that there was a high level of paranoia relating to the strike.[148][149][150] Some workers said that the Frontier had tapped its office phones to monitor conversations,[148] allegations which led to an FBI investigation.[150][151] Concerned that strikers might stay at the hotel to gain information, Frontier officials also had recording devices planted in certain guest rooms which were to be occupied only by confirmed members of the strike, allowing the hotel to spy on them.[150] The spying operation allegedly went beyond the resort, as some workers said they were tasked with following strikers around. Others collected garbage from the Culinary headquarters in hopes of gaining incriminating information.[152]

After the allegations came to light, strikers filed 75 criminal complaints against the Frontier,[153] and the Nevada Gaming Control Board opened an investigation. Meanwhile, the AFL–CIO launched a campaign to raise awareness about the strike,[154][155] with president John Sweeney calling the Frontier "one of the biggest corporate criminals" in American history.[156] The AFL-CIO also opened a committee investigation into the strike.[157] John Elardi later admitted that the 900 Room was used for spying, stating that he created it in 1992, without first consulting Margaret or Tom Elardi. He also acknowledged using sprinklers on the strikers, after police stopped responding to the resort's calls about trespassing picketers.[158][159]

Resolution
[edit]

In October 1997, businessman Phil Ruffin reached an agreement to buy the Frontier from the Elardis for $167 million.[160] He also agreed to sign a contract with the union, putting an end to the strike. Ruffin's application for a gaming license was fast-tracked to expedite the sale and end the strike sooner. Prior to the announcement of Ruffin's purchase, the Nevada Gaming Control Board was prepared to file a complaint revoking the Frontier's gaming license, due to the property's conduct during the strike.[161][162]

Ruffin completed his purchase on February 1, 1998, ending the 2,325-day strike.[160] It was among the longest strikes in U.S. history, and the Culinary union had spent $26 million on it.[163] Approximately 300 of the 550 striking workers returned to their jobs.[164] Striking employees received a total of nearly $5 million in back-pay and trust fund contributions.[165] On the day of the purchase, a celebration event was held at the resort, and was attended by 3,000 people.[160][166]

New Frontier (1998–2007)

[edit]

Upon taking ownership, Ruffin renamed the property back to the New Frontier. It had 986 rooms and a 41,325 sq ft (3,839.2 m2) casino,[167] and catered to a middle-class clientele.[168][169] The resort had become outdated during the strike, and lacked basic features such as fulltime room service and a 24-hour coffee shop.[160][169] Profits improved following a $20 million renovation project, which included new restaurants and a remodeled sportsbook.[170][171]

Gilley's Saloon, a country western restaurant, was among the additions. It included a mechanical bull, a dance hall, and live music. The 10,000 sq ft (930 m2) saloon opened in December 1998. Ruffin got the idea for the restaurant after seeing the 1980 film Urban Cowboy, which had featured the Gilley's Club in Texas, along with its mechanical bull. Ruffin subsequently partnered with country singer Mickey Gilley to open the saloon, inspired by the original club.[172] Gilley's later offered bikini bull-riding and mud wrestling.[173]

Ruffin intended to rebrand the hotel as a Radisson, and renovated the guest rooms to bring them up to standard. However, in 1999, he decided against this idea as he now had other plans for the property.[174] In January 2000, Ruffin announced plans to demolish the New Frontier in five or six months to make way for a new casino resort, scheduled to open in 2002. The new project, known as City by the Bay, would include a San Francisco theme and more than 2,500 rooms. Ruffin said the new resort was necessary to stay competitive on the Las Vegas Strip. The project would cost up to $700 million.[175] He put his redevelopment plans on hold in May 2000, because of difficulty raising the necessary funds. Ruffin said the project would eventually proceed. The New Frontier continued operations in the meantime,[176][177] and remained profitable.[178][179]

In 2002, Ruffin partnered with Trump to build Trump International Hotel Las Vegas.[180] It was constructed on the Frontier property's southwest corner, taking up part of a rear parking lot.[181] Meanwhile, Ruffin still had difficulty acquiring funds to build City by the Bay,[182] and his plans evolved several times over the years.[183] At one point, Ruffin considered a Trump-branded resort to replace the New Frontier.[184] In 2003, Ruffin was in discussions with several casino operators about a possible joint venture for a new resort on the Frontier site.[185][186] At the end of 2004, he said he would redevelop the New Frontier site on his own, stating that he had turned down a dozen offers from potential partners.[187] By 2006, Ruffin's unnamed resort project was planned to include a 485-foot Ferris wheel.[188] Later that year, Ruffin announced that the new casino resort would be named Montreux, after the Swiss town of the same name. The $2 billion resort would include 2,750 rooms.[184][189]

However, by March 2007, Ruffin was in negotiations to sell the New Frontier to El Ad Properties, which owned the Plaza Hotel in New York City.[190][191] A sale agreement was announced two months later, with El Ad paying approximately $35 million per acre for the 35-acre site. At more than $1.2 billion, it was the most expensive real estate transaction on the Strip. El Ad planned to demolish the New Frontier and build a $5 billion Plaza-branded resort in its place.[192][173][193][194]

Demolition cleanup, January 2008

The New Frontier closed on July 16, 2007, at 12:01 a.m.[195][196] The closing was a low-key event.[18] At the time, the New Frontier operated the last remaining bingo room on the Strip, and was one of the few remaining casinos to still use coin-operated slot machines.[197] El Ad completed its purchase three weeks after the closure.[198]

Sign removal

The 984-room New Frontier had remained popular as a low-budget alternative to larger resorts nearby.[18][199] However, it lacked the same popularity as previous resorts such as the Sands, Stardust, and Desert Inn.[200] In 2006, readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal voted it "Hotel Most Deserving of Being Imploded".[201] Wynn, who now owned the Wynn Las Vegas resort across the street, called the aging Frontier "the single biggest toilet in Las Vegas".[202]

The New Frontier was the last of the Hughes-era casinos to be demolished.[200] After a five-minute fireworks show, the 16-story Atrium Tower was imploded on November 13, 2007, at 2:37 a.m. to the thousands of spectators that turned out to view the demolition.[200][119] The tower was imploded by Controlled Demolition, Inc., which had worked on other Las Vegas hotel implosions. The interior was stripped down allowing for the insertion of dynamite, totaling 1,040 pounds and spread across 6,200 different areas of the tower.[202][119] The implosion left a four-story pile of concrete, glass and steel remains.[119] Two low-rise hotel wings were demolished with the use of an excavator, although the discovery of asbestos slowed the process down.[203]

The roadside sign was left up until December 2008, when Wynn requested that it be taken down ahead of the opening for Encore Las Vegas, an addition to his Wynn property. The city's Neon Museum sought to save portions of the sign.[204]

Redevelopment proposals

[edit]
The former Frontier site (right), across from Wynn and Encore, 2023

Following the closure of the New Frontier, there had been multiple redevelopment proposals.

The Plaza project failed to materialize, due to financial problems brought on by the Great Recession. Wynn offered to beautify the vacant site with landscaping, and was also approached by El Ad several times to take over the land and develop it. However, he declined as he considered such a project too much of a financial risk.[205] Wynn blamed what he saw as anti-business policies of U.S. president Barack Obama, and a challenging level of debt as a consequence of El Ad having paid what proved too high a price for the property.[206]

In 2014, Crown Resorts purchased the property for $280 million and partnered with Oaktree Capital Management.[207][208][209] A year later, they announced plans to build a casino resort known as Alon Las Vegas.[210] However, Crown Resorts pulled out of the project in 2016,[211] and it was eventually canceled.[212]

Wynn Resorts bought the land and four adjacent acres in early 2018, for $336 million.[213][214][215] The company announced plans to build Wynn West, a new casino resort to complement the existing Wynn and Encore properties.[216] Steve Wynn, amid sexual assault allegations against him, resigned from his company shortly after the announcement. Matt Maddox took over as CEO, and plans for Wynn West were shelved.[217] In 2024, the county extended permits for the site, giving Wynn until April 2026 to begin construction on an unnamed resort expansion. The project would include additional casino space and a hotel tower with 1,100 rooms.[218]

Entertainment

[edit]

The Hotel Last Frontier opened with an entertainment venue known as the Ramona Room.[14] Liberace made his Las Vegas debut at the showroom in 1944.[219][220] The Mary Kaye Trio performed at the Hotel Last Frontier for approximately three years, starting in 1950. The Ramona Room had already been booked by other acts over the next six months, so a stage was added to a bar area for the trio to perform. They became the first lounge act to perform in Las Vegas, popularizing the concept.[221][222]

The New Frontier addition in 1955 included a restaurant and showroom known as the Venus Room.[223] A new Venus Room, with seating for 800, opened with the rebuilt Frontier in 1967. The new resort also included the 400-seat Post Time Theater.[99][224] Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas debut at the New Frontier in 1956, but was poorly received.[225][226] In the late 1950s, the New Frontier offered Holiday in Japan, a variety show featuring 60 performers from Tokyo.[227][228][229]

Diana Ross & The Supremes performing at the Frontier, 1969

Ronald Reagan entertained at the resort in the 1950s,[230][231] as did Wayne Newton in the 1960s and 1970s.[232][233] Other entertainers included Robert Goulet,[234] Jimmy Durante,[17] George Carlin,[235][236] Ray Anthony,[237] and Phil Harris.[238]

Diana Ross & The Supremes gave their final performance in 1970, at the Frontier.[173][239] Their performance was recorded for the album Farewell. In the early 1970s, the Frontier hosted the Miss Rodeo America pageant.[240] Siegfried & Roy performed in Beyond Belief, a magic show that opened in 1981. It ran for 3,538 performances over a period of nearly seven years.[173][241][242] When the Elardi family took over ownership in the late 1980s, they closed the showroom.[121] After years without live entertainment, Ruffin added a 284-seat venue in 2000.[243]

One new show, Legends of Comedy, featured entertainers who impersonated comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield, Jay Leno, and Roseanne Barr.[244] In 2001, the New Frontier launched Rock 'n' Roll Legends, featuring impersonator singers.[245] Numerous other shows ran at the resort in the 2000s,[246] including a magic act,[247][248] the Thunder From Down Under male revue,[249] and a Frank Sinatra tribute show.[250] Female impersonator Kenny Kerr also had a musical dance show at the property.[251][252]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Throngs Attend Casino Opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 6, 1931. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  2. ^ "Pair-o-Dice Closes For Remodeling". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 18, 1931. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  3. ^ "Pair o Dice Is Being Enlarged". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 3, 1932. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  4. ^ Hopkins, A.D. (March 26, 1999). "Son of first Strip nightclub operator recalls father's brushes with mobsters". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  5. ^ "Vegas' Newest, Most Luxurious Night Club Opens Wednesday". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 14, 1939. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  6. ^ "McAfee Takes Up Option on 91 Club". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 30, 1939. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  7. ^ "Guy McAfee Completes Option". Las Vegas Age. June 30, 1939. p. 1. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  8. ^ "91 Club Is Sold To Arizona Group". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 10, 1941. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  9. ^ National Park Service (26 October 2020). "Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary ROUTE 66". National Park Service. Washington, DC.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Ainlay, Thomas; Gabaldon, Judy Dixon (2003). Las Vegas: The Fabulous First Century. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 64, 97. ISBN 978-0-7385-2416-0. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h Land, Barbara; Land, Myrick (2004). A Short History of Las Vegas. University of Nevada Press. ISBN 978-0-87417-643-8. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Nelson Patrick, Elizabeth (1985). "An Interview with William J. Moore". University of Nevada Oral History Program. pp. 1–7, 14–19, 28. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  13. ^ a b "Colorful hotel history". Las Vegas Sun. April 4, 1955. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Early West in Modern Splendor". Las Vegas Age. April 9, 1944. p. 13. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  15. ^ "N. Y. Orchestra Engaged For Big Hotel Opening". Las Vegas Review-Journal. October 29, 1942. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  16. ^ "Rotarian Governor Guest At Banquet". Las Vegas Age. October 30, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  17. ^ a b "Hotel has come a long way since 1942". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 24, 1982. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  18. ^ a b c "No fanfare as New Frontier closes". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 14, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  19. ^ "From Where". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 11, 1942. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  20. ^ "First Wedding Is Held Saturday At Church Of West". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 24, 1943. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  21. ^ "Startling Events Promised Today At Frontier Rodeo". Las Vegas Age. February 20, 1944. p. 9. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  22. ^ "Rodeo Stars Ride Today". Las Vegas Age. January 14, 1945. p. 3. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  23. ^ "Bill Moore To Carry On for R. E. Griffith". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 26, 1943. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  24. ^ "Moore Carries Through Idea of R.E. Griffith, Founder". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 3, 1950. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  25. ^ "Throng Christens Western Village". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 5, 1948. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  26. ^ Wharton, Annabel Jane (2015). Architectural Agents: The Delusional, Abusive, Addictive Lives of Buildings. U of Minnesota Press. ISBN 978-1-4529-4339-8. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  27. ^ Deskin, Ruthe (November 11, 1999). "Recalling the colorful Doby Doc". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  28. ^ "'Doby Doc' Curator Of Village". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 3, 1950. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  29. ^ "Buy Last Frontier Hotel". The Kansas City Star. Associated Press. August 24, 1951. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Plan to Sell Hotel on Strip". Reno Evening Gazette. May 31, 1951. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "Special Session Is Called for Tax Commission". Reno Evening Gazette. August 21, 1951. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Angeleno Seeks Hotel Interest". The Progress-Bulletin. Associated Press. February 3, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "L A. man seeks gaming license". Daily News. February 26, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Hotel to Start $2,000,000 New Construction". Los Angeles Times. June 11, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Stockholder Sues Hotel Directors". Reno Evening Gazette. September 4, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Gambling Baron Charge Leads to Million Dollar Suit". Colton Courier. September 14, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Last Frontier's Status In Doubt". Nevada State Journal. United Press. July 1, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Last Frontier Affairs Probed By Commission". Reno Evening Gazette. November 30, 1954. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "New Frontier In Premiere Monday Nite". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 3, 1955. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  40. ^ "Many Old Employes Toast 'Big Switch' at Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 4, 1955. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  41. ^ a b c "Those Glamorous Hotels Just Didn't Spring Up Overnight". Las Vegas Sun. August 5, 1969. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  42. ^ "Gambler Cliff Jones Faces License Loss". Reno Evening Gazette. Associated Press. March 26, 1959. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ a b "New Hotel on Las Vegas Strip, The Frontier, Is Being Built". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 27, 1966. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "Mario Lanza Appearance at Las Vegas Canceled". Los Angeles Times. April 6, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "Lanza Leaving Scene of Disaster in Vegas". Pasadena Independent. April 7, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Mario Lanza Sued By Las Vegas Hotel". Ventura County Star. September 12, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Last Frontier Official Resigns". Reno Evening Gazette. April 29, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ "New Frontier Hotel Case Is Before Board". Reno Evening Gazette. April 25, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ "Hotel at Vegas Given License On Condition". Nevada State Journal. United Press. April 26, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Hotel at Vegas Pays Creditors Million Bucks". Nevada State Journal. United Press. May 5, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ "License Granted Six Hotel Owners". Reno Evening Gazette. May 6, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ^ "High Finance Troubles Slow Strip Operation". Reno Evening Gazette. April 2, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Fistfight Marks Cold War Over Vegas Casinos". San Bernardino County Sun. May 22, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "Tax Commission Approves Eight New Partners in Frontier Hotel". San Bernardino County Sun. May 1, 1955. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ^ "Frontier Hotel Action Settled". Reno Evening Gazette. January 20, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ^ "New Frontier Stockholders Elect Friedman President". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 9, 1955. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  57. ^ "New Frontier is Given OK on Building Program". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 5, 1956. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  58. ^ "Royal Nevada Becomes Annex". Reno Evening Gazette. June 12, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ "Gaming Board Meets Thursday". Reno Evening Gazette. July 23, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ^ "Royal Nevada Hotel Leased". Reno Evening Gazette. October 25, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ^ a b "Strip Gambling Is Studied by Control Board". Reno Evening Gazette. November 27, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ^ "Las Vegas Hotel Gets Shot in Arm". Reno Evening Gazette. November 28, 1956. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ "Casino Manager Seeks Damages". Reno Evening Gazette. February 4, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ a b "Critical Talks At New Frontier". Reno Evening Gazette. March 7, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ "New Frontier Taken Over by Old Group". Los Angeles Times. March 7, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ^ "Mrs. Krupp Asks Million in Las Vegas Hotel Suit". Los Angeles Times. April 16, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ "Says Goldmine Clark Resort Was Graveyard". Reno Evening Gazette. May 6, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ^ "Federal Agents Grab New Frontier Assets". Reno Evening Gazette. March 15, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ^ "Landlords Taking Over Vegas Hotel". Los Angeles Times. March 18, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  70. ^ "Vegas' New Frontier Closes Casino, Bars". Sen Bernardino County Sun. United Press. March 18, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "New Frontier Denied License". Reno Evening Gazette. April 12, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ^ "New Frontier Receiver Named". Reno Evening Gazette. June 20, 1957. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  73. ^ a b "Plans Receive Cool Reception". Reno Evening Gazette. July 21, 1958. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  74. ^ "Hacienda Owner Buys New Frontier Hotel". Reno Evening Gazette. October 1, 1958. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ^ "Las Vegas Hotel Gets New Owner". News-Pilot. October 1, 1958. Retrieved May 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ^ "Frontier Leased To Bayley". Las Vegas Review-Journal. January 1, 1959. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  77. ^ "New Frontier Plan Approved". Reno Evening Gazette. October 22, 1958. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ^ "Preston Foster, TV Star, Heads Frontier Properties". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 31, 1959. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  79. ^ "New Frontier Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 9, 1959. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  80. ^ "New Frontier Gambling Bid On Board List". Reno Evening Gazette. August 14, 1961. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  81. ^ "Lake City Man's License to Buy Casino Lapses". The Spokesman-Review. Associated Press. November 4, 1961. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ^ "Bayley Buys New Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. November 19, 1964. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  83. ^ "Surprise New Frontier Closure–Expansion Plan to Start". Las Vegas Sun. January 1, 1965. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  84. ^ "Surprise New Frontier Closure–Expansion Plan to Start (page 2 of 2)". Las Vegas Sun. January 1, 1965. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  85. ^ "Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 17, 1966. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  86. ^ "Frontier in Final stages of demolition". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 4, 1966. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  87. ^ "Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. May 16, 1966. p. 8. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
  88. ^ "Expo 67 Lost and Found Department Busy Place". San Bernardino County Sun. July 23, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  89. ^ a b "Chapel at new home". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 6, 1978. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  90. ^ a b Hawley, Tom (November 27, 2019). "The Silver Slipper closes its doors forever". KSNV. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  91. ^ "Break Ground for New Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 27, 1966. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  92. ^ "New Strip Resort Planned". Nevada State Journal. September 28, 1966. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ^ "Frontier Hotel Investment OK'd". Nevada State Journal. December 21, 1966. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  94. ^ a b Munk, Nina (June 2005). "Steve Wynn's Biggest Gamble". Vanity Fair. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  95. ^ Creswell, Julie (August 3, 2008). "The chips are down in Vegas, but Steve Wynn is betting big". The New York Times. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  96. ^ "'Black money' cited in Vegas hotel case". Reno Evening Gazette. Associated Press. February 18, 1972. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ^ "Vegas Casino: Mafia Linked In Indictments". San Francisco Examiner. February 26, 1971. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  98. ^ "Maheu: Hughes might have paid off 'skim' debt". Reno Evening Gazette. March 11, 1972. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  99. ^ a b "4-Day Gala". Citizen News. August 2, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  100. ^ "New Hotel Opens in Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. July 30, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  101. ^ "Frontier Hotel Bow Tops Big Openers". Valley Times. July 26, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  102. ^ "Rissman & Rissman Associates archives". University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  103. ^ Al, Stefan (2017). The Strip: Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream. MIT Press. pp. 78–80. ISBN 978-0-262-03574-3. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  104. ^ "Neon Survey". University of Nevada, Las Vegas. April 5, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  105. ^ "Friars Club Quiz". Los Angeles Times. August 11, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  106. ^ "Hughes Buys Frontier Hotel Property". Reno Evening Gazette. Associated Press. September 22, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  107. ^ "Casino Licenses For Del Webb, Howard Hughes". Reno Evening Gazette. December 29, 1967. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  108. ^ Drosnin, Michael; Hughes, Howard (2004). Citizen Hughes. Broadway Books. p. 473. ISBN 978-0-7679-1934-0. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  109. ^ "Hughes casino plan submitted". Reno Evening Gazette. Associated Press. May 8, 1973. Retrieved April 27, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  110. ^ Evans, K.J. (September 12, 1999). "Howard Hughes". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  111. ^ "Arce named president of the Frontier Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 31, 1978. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  112. ^ "Summa Corp. sells Frontier, Silver Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 16, 1987. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  113. ^ "Summa sells 2 resorts". Reno Gazette-Journal. December 16, 1987. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  114. ^ "Gaming Control Board OKs sale of Frontier". Reno Gazette-Journal. Associated Press. June 9, 1988. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  115. ^ "Gaming Commission OKs Frontier sale". Reno Gazette-Journal. June 24, 1988. Retrieved May 18, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  116. ^ "State ends Hughes era in gaming". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 24, 1988. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  117. ^ "Workers, patrons bid final farewell to Slipper". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 13, 1988. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  118. ^ Stutz, Howard (December 7, 1989). "Frontier Hotel owner makes two sons partial owners". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  119. ^ a b c d Knightly, Arnold M. (November 14, 2007). "New Frontier Finale". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  120. ^ "Resort executives seem to be sold on suites". Las Vegas Review-Journal. December 25, 1989. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  121. ^ a b c d e f Rothman, Hal; Davis, Mike (2002). The Grit Beneath the Glitter: Tales from the Real Las Vegas. University of California Press. pp. 159–163. ISBN 978-0-520-20529-1. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  122. ^ a b c d Thompson, Gary (September 19, 1996). "Strike drags into its fifth year". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  123. ^ Berns, Dave (October 29, 1997). "Strike's End in Sight". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  124. ^ "The Neon Museum to host panel discussion 'Remembering the Frontier Strike: 30 Years Later'". KSNV. September 23, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  125. ^ a b "Strike deal could spur Frontier sale". Las Vegas Sun. July 24, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  126. ^ a b "Six-year strike longest in U.S." Las Vegas Sun. October 28, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  127. ^ Bates, Warren (October 29, 1997). "Plenty of strife during Elardi era". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  128. ^ Clayton, David (March 12, 1992). "Pickets go to Elardi". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  129. ^ Shemeligian, Bob. "Georgia rep stirs strikers". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  130. ^ Berns, Dave (November 3, 1997). "Frontier strike sign of times for labor". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 24, 1999.
  131. ^ Muth, Chuck (July 20, 2007). "A tale of two casino owners". Las Vegas Business Press. Archived from the original on May 29, 2009.
  132. ^ Benjamin, Caren (October 25, 1997). "Lawyer: Frontier owners ignored signs of danger". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  133. ^ Benjamin, Caren (October 28, 1997). "Statements in Frontier trial key on mood before altercation". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  134. ^ a b c Gang, Bill (October 30, 1997). "Elardi: Warning guests of violence was illegal". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  135. ^ a b Benjamin, Caren (October 31, 1997). "Frontier owner says guards' hands tied". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 18, 2000.
  136. ^ Geer, Carri (November 1, 1997). "Frontier not liable in 1993 beating". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 17, 2000.
  137. ^ "Judge refuses to overturn Frontier verdict". Las Vegas Sun. December 4, 1997. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  138. ^ Waddell, Lynn (January 31, 1992). "Frontier pulls its strike ads". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  139. ^ "Governor blames Frontier owners for prolonging strike". Las Vegas Sun. 1994. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  140. ^ Morrison, Jane Ann (February 21, 2014). "Becker, Wynn, Blackhurst: Women describe their days as Nevada gaming leaders". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  141. ^ Mosle, Sara (February 5, 1998). "Las Vegas Journal; At Hotel-Casino, Triumphant Shouts of 'Union!'". The New York Times. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  142. ^ "Frontier talks suspended". Las Vegas Sun. July 25, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  143. ^ Bach, Lisa Kim (June 10, 1997). "Frontier loses labor board ruling". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 4, 1999.
  144. ^ a b "Bally exec eyes Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. July 26, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  145. ^ a b c "Goldberg bid for Frontier up in air". Las Vegas Sun. July 31, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  146. ^ Thompson, Gary (August 10, 1996). "Goldberg Frontier bid was legit". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  147. ^ "Frontier spying, dirty tricks charged". Las Vegas Sun. December 11, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  148. ^ a b c "Ex-exec: Frontier tapped own lines". Las Vegas Sun. December 17, 1996. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  149. ^ German, Jeff (December 26, 1996). "Spying alleged at Casino Royale". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  150. ^ a b c German, Jeff (January 9, 1997). "Ex-guard: Frontier monitored rooms". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  151. ^ Cannon, Lou (February 5, 1997). "Probe of Casino's Actions in Long Strike Could Deal Trouble to Gambling Industry". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  152. ^ German, Jeff (January 16, 1997). "Whistleblowers say Frontier conducted spying beyond the Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  153. ^ "Complaints filed against Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. January 8, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  154. ^ Bach, Lisa Kim (February 20, 1997). "AFL-CIO to tackle long-running strike". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on July 19, 1997.
  155. ^ "Frontier whistleblower testifies about tactics". Las Vegas Sun. March 18, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  156. ^ "Campaign will focus on Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. February 19, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  157. ^ "Whistleblower: Elardis off free". Las Vegas Sun. October 30, 1997. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  158. ^ "Elardi testifies about spy room at Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. March 19, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  159. ^ "Frontier co-owner admits to spy center". Las Vegas Sun. April 16, 1997. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  160. ^ a b c d Berns, Dave (February 1, 1998). "It's a new Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on February 23, 1999.
  161. ^ "Kansas industrialist buys troubled Strip hotel for $165 million". Las Vegas Sun. October 28, 1997. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  162. ^ "Politicians hail sale of troubled Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. October 29, 1997. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  163. ^ Macy, Robert (February 2, 1998). "6 1/2-Year Las Vegas Hotel Strike Ends". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  164. ^ Berns, Dave (January 23, 1998). "Regulators OK sale of Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on October 7, 1999.
  165. ^ Smith, Hubble (March 5, 1998). "Frontier settles cases with workers". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 21, 2001.
  166. ^ Berns, Dave (February 2, 1998). "Frontier workers back with high hopes". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 14, 2000.
  167. ^ Berns, Dave (October 30, 1997). "Frontier's replacement workers fret". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on February 26, 2000.
  168. ^ "Labor ready for Ruffin". Las Vegas Sun. January 15, 1998. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  169. ^ a b Berns, Dave (January 19, 1998). "Forecasting a new Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on May 3, 1999.
  170. ^ Berns, Dave (October 4, 1999). "Ruffin says he'll hold onto New Frontier, not buy the Hilton". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 22, 2000.
  171. ^ Berns, Dave (January 12, 1998). "Former Bally's Las Vegas chief taking over at Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on February 3, 1999.
  172. ^ "Gilley is back in the saddle". Las Vegas Sun. November 25, 1998. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  173. ^ a b c d "New Frontier sale sets record". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 16, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  174. ^ Thompson, Gary (September 9, 1999). "Rumors about New Frontier's sale heat up; Radisson deal off". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  175. ^ Thompson, Gary (January 4, 2000). "Frontier to be replaced by resort with SF theme". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  176. ^ Strow, David (May 23, 2000). "New Frontier puts redevelopment on hold". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  177. ^ Burbank, Jeff (January 22, 2001). "Ruffin's Frisco megacasino idea still on hold". Las Vegas Business Press. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  178. ^ Strow, David (April 25, 2002). "Casino hotel planned for Silver Slipper site". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  179. ^ Benston, Liz (November 6, 2003). "Ruffin, Trump exploring larger Vegas condo complex". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  180. ^ Robison, Jennifer (April 23, 2002). "Trump, Ruffin in LV luxury condo deal". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  181. ^ Benston, Liz (July 13, 2005). "Trump the star of the show in condo resort groundbreaking". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  182. ^ Simpson, Jeff (January 16, 2003). "Developer foiled but unfazed". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 29, 2004.
  183. ^ Benston, Liz (July 14, 2005). "New Frontier faces possible demolition in '06". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  184. ^ a b Benston, Liz (April 11, 2006). "Montreux to replace the New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  185. ^ Simpson, Jeff (August 22, 2003). "New Frontier owner discussing joint ventures". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 19, 2005.
  186. ^ Simpson, Jeff (November 4, 2003). "Trump's plans now iffy at New Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on November 6, 2003.
  187. ^ Goldman, Adam (December 30, 2004). "Ruffin plans to redevelop New Frontier without partner". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  188. ^ Benston, Liz (January 22, 2006). "Ferris wheel puts a spin on New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  189. ^ Benston, Liz (June 15, 2006). "Aging New Frontier to become Montreux on the Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  190. ^ Stutz, Howard (March 21, 2007). "New Frontier owner rebuts Web report of sale". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on March 28, 2007.
  191. ^ "A really new Frontier: $1.5 billion for Strip veteran". Las Vegas Business Press. March 26, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  192. ^ "Elad Group to buy New Frontier in Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. May 17, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  193. ^ Benston, Liz (June 8, 2007). "10-figure payday". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  194. ^ "New Frontier owners to seek funding; hotel to close July 15". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 13, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  195. ^ "Frontier's days end". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 16, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  196. ^ Katsilometes, John (July 25, 2007). "[The end] Our stay in the Frontier". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  197. ^ "Workers wistful knowing casino's end is near". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 17, 2007. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
  198. ^ "With deal signed, Ruffin era on Strip officially ended". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 15, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  199. ^ "Vegas casino goes down with a bang". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. November 14, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  200. ^ a b c Benston, Liz; Samuelson, Andy (November 13, 2007). "Thousands watch as historic casino imploded". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  201. ^ "The New Frontier". University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021.
  202. ^ a b Friess, Steve (November 12, 2007). "A Family Legacy, Built to Withstand Dynamite". The New York Times. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  203. ^ "Vegas Casino Frontier Hotel". YouTube. August 5, 2019. 16:40, 21:00. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  204. ^ Finnegan, Amanda (December 12, 2008). "Crews remove New Frontier marquee before Encore opening". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  205. ^ Stutz, Howard (November 29, 2011). "Vacant Strip land on Frontier site to remain empty". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  206. ^ "Billionaire blames Obama for Israeli tycoons' Las Vegas Plaza flop." Haaretz Newspaper, 14 October 2012.
  207. ^ Gardner, Jessica; Thomson, James (August 5, 2014). "James Packer snaps up Las Vegas site". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  208. ^ Katsilometes, John (August 10, 2014). "Latest purchase of Frontier land is a sober deal". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  209. ^ Stutz, Howard (August 17, 2014). "Strip land values react to deal for Frontier site". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  210. ^ Segall, Eli (June 26, 2015). "Vision for Alon Las Vegas, resort on former New Frontier site, is filed with county". VegasInc. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  211. ^ Moore, Thomas (December 15, 2016). "Alon management exploring options after loss of backer". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  212. ^ Moore, Thomas (June 27, 2017). "What are the prospects of retail on the former New Frontier site on the Strip?". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  213. ^ Prince, Todd (December 13, 2017). "Wynn Resorts buying former site of New Frontier on Las Vegas Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  214. ^ Moore, Thomas (December 14, 2017). "Wynn Resorts buying site of former New Frontier on Strip". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  215. ^ Prince, Todd; Segall, Eli (December 14, 2017). "Steve Wynn 'warehousing' former Alon site in $336M purchase". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  216. ^ "Wynn wants new hotel across Vegas Strip from his 2 towers". Reno Gazette Journal. Associated Press. January 23, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  217. ^ Prince, Todd (February 6, 2019). "CEO Matt Maddox steadies Wynn Resorts, analysts say". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  218. ^ Hemmersmeier, Sean (June 19, 2024). "Wynn's plans to build a third tower on Strip still alive". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  219. ^ Thompson, M. Dion (May 13, 1995). "Liberace museum might be only sure bet in Vegas". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  220. ^ Hawley, Tom (July 22, 2020). "How organized crime blackmailed Liberace". KSNV. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  221. ^ "Special Kaye". Las Vegas Sun. March 14, 2003. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  222. ^ Nelson, Valerie J. (February 20, 2007). "Mary Kaye, 83; singer brought all-night lounge acts to Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  223. ^ "Venus Room Mural". Las Vegas Review-Journal. March 28, 1955. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  224. ^ "Europa '68' Revamped; Robert Horton In Debut". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 13, 1967. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  225. ^ Weatherford, Mike (2001). Cult Vegas: The Weirdest! the Wildest! the Swingin'est Town on Earth!. Huntington Press Inc. pp. 115–116. ISBN 978-0-929712-71-0. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  226. ^ "Happy Birthday, Elvis: A look at his deep ties to Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. January 9, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  227. ^ "Tokyo Troupe Wows Las Vegas". Life. October 5, 1959. pp. 149–152. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  228. ^ Tompkins, Joanne; Holledge, Julie; Bollen, Jonathan (2022). Visualising Lost Theatres. Cambridge University Press. p. 150. ISBN 978-1-108-47675-1. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  229. ^ "Hotel Faces Threat of Suit Over Name Use". Reno Evening Gazette. August 3, 1960. Retrieved May 28, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  230. ^ Spitz, Bob (2018). Reagan: An American Journey. Penguin. pp. 1, 4. ISBN 978-0-525-56027-2. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  231. ^ "Joe Delaney remembers 1954: Ronald Reagan in Ramona Room". Las Vegas Sun. August 4, 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  232. ^ Clarke, Norm (July 15, 2007). "New Frontier offers pieces of the past". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  233. ^ "It's The 'All-New' Wayne Newton At Frontier Hotel". Las Vegas Sun. July 21, 1972. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  234. ^ Smith, John L. (July 29, 2007). "Frontier helped Robert Goulet make a name for himself on the Strip". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  235. ^ LeBlanc, Adrian Nicole (December 23, 2008). "Hard Laughs". The New York Times. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  236. ^ Myers, Dennis (August 17, 2016). "Myers: Businesspeople and the example they set". Pahrump Valley Times. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  237. ^ "Anthony to appear at Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. July 30, 1970. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  238. ^ "Phil Harris Back At Frontier Hotel". Las Vegas Sun. August 1, 1974. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  239. ^ "Diana Ross, Supremes 'Divorce' Here Wednesday". Las Vegas Review-Journal. January 11, 1970. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  240. ^ Higgins, Alice (December 11, 1972). "Here she is, Miss Rodeo America". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  241. ^ "Magicians Siegfried & Roy to star in show to open Nov. 5 at Frontier". Los Angeles Times. March 29, 1981. Retrieved May 27, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  242. ^ "Siegfried and Roy End 6 1/2 Year Run at Frontier". Los Angeles Times. June 27, 1988. Retrieved May 27, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  243. ^ Weatherford, Mike (November 5, 2000). "New Frontier brings back showroom". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on January 6, 2002.
  244. ^ Delaney, Joe (December 8, 2000). "Comedy greats represented in New Frontier's 'Legends'". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  245. ^ Delaney, Joe (November 30, 2001). "'Legends' comes alive at New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  246. ^ Delaney, Joe (August 16, 2001). "New shows breathing life into New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  247. ^ "Magician David Darkstone debuts at New Frontier". Gaming Today. June 18, 2001. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  248. ^ Delaney, Joe (November 9, 2001). "Darkstone and Co. add flair to magic at New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  249. ^ Delaney, Joe (August 3, 2001). "Review: 'Thunder' makes noise at New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  250. ^ Delaney, Joe (August 10, 2001). "Sinatra, others get a turn in 'Ol' Blue Eyes' at New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  251. ^ "Kerr set to open new show at New Frontier". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 6, 2001. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  252. ^ Delaney, Joe (February 23, 2001). "Kerr settles nicely into a new home at New Frontier". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
[edit]