After sitting vacant for a year, being part of a new big-screen action movie and the focus of intense curiosity on the Las Vegas Strip, it looks like the historic Riviera is set for its first implosion.
It’s not been officially released, but the usual sources have come out to say the first of two implosions will be the Monte Carlo Tower on June 14 at 2am. The second, the Monaco Tower will be imploded sometime in August or September.
The Riviera demolition project has been moving along steadily the last couple of weeks. Bringing down the smaller towers, garages, and outer building. Dealing with the asbestos, removing the debris and preparing the lot for its future as much-needed outdoor exhibits and more parking for the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The timetable for the Riviera demolition and debris removal will be completed by Dec. 31 and the property will be turned over to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority by Jan. 31. They already have that space booked for events, like the giant construction industry show CONEXPO-CON/AGG, scheduled for March 7-11, 2017.
I have seen preliminary plans for the site as it will be part of the planned $1.4 billion Las Vegas Convention Center expansion plan. Impressive is the only words I can use. This will finally give the convention center a direct entrance on the Las Vegas Boulevard. The new area will also include smaller high-tech meeting and exhibit space, offices for long-term exhibitors and International affiliations, as well as a reconfigured transportation hub that will move everyone around faster, easier and with less congestion (hopefully)
The Riviera Hotel and Casino:
Opened: April 20, 1955
Closed: May 4, 2015
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